Guangzhou Automobile Group Company's (GAC) local operations have undergone significant changes following the exit of its former distributor, Astara, from the Philippine automotive market.

The brand now operates under GAC International Philippines, a direct subsidiary of GAC Group. Under the new structure, the company offers all three of its sub-brands locally - GAC, Aion and Hyptec - consolidating its portfolio under one organisation.

The transition also introduces a refreshed line-up of electric vehicles (EVs), led by the Hyptec HT and Aion V, which debuted at the 2025 Philippines Electric Vehicle Summit. These are joined by the Aion Y Plus and the upcoming Aion UT.

Aion V

The Aion V is a five-seater battery-electric compact crossover priced at PHP 1.498 million (US$ 25,640) for the Elite variant and PHP 1.698 million for the Premium.

The Premium trim uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor producing up to 224 PS and 240 Nm of torque. Its 75.26 kWh battery delivers a driving range of up to 603 km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). DC fast charging of up to 180 kW enables charging from 30 to 80% in around 20 minutes.

Exterior features include LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, heated power-folding mirrors, acoustic glass and a rear defogger.

Inside, the model offers leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats with massage, a 60:40 split-folding rear bench, multiple charging ports and an in-car refrigerator.

A 14.6-inch touchscreen is paired with an 8.8-inch digital cluster, supporting voice commands, in-car WiFi and Apple CarPlay.

Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Hyptec HT

Positioned as the brand's flagship, the Hyptec HT is available in Premium and Ultra trims priced at PHP 2.26 million and PHP 2.58 million, respectively.

Its motor produces up to 332 PS and 380 Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels. The model offers a range of up to 605 km (NEDC) and supports DC fast charging of up to 280 kW, allowing a 10 to 70% charge in around 20 minutes.

The Ultra variant features distinctive gull-wing rear doors. Other equipment includes 20-inch wheels, a panoramic insulated skylight roof, soundproof glass, LED lighting and an electronic tailgate.

Interior amenities include leather seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 filtration, wireless charging and a reclining rear bench.

A 14.6-inch infotainment display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P processor is paired with a 22-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system.

The model also comes equipped with a comprehensive advanced driver assistance suite.

Aion Y Plus

The Aion Y Plus is priced similarly to the Aion V, with the Elite at PHP 1.498 million and the Premium at PHP 1.698 million.

The Premium produces up to 204 PS and 225 Nm of torque, with a claimed range of 490 km (NEDC). The model supports DC fast charging.

Designed with a hatchback-like crossover profile, the Aion Y Plus includes LED lighting, 17-inch wheels, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers and heated folding mirrors.

The cabin features automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, ambient lighting and a 14.6-inch infotainment display paired with a 10.25-inch digital cluster.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping systems.

Upcoming Aion UT

The Aion UT will serve as the brand's smallest all-electric crossover in the Philippines. While full local specifications have yet to be confirmed, the global version produces up to 204 PS and offers a range of around 500 km, with fast charging from 30 to 80% in approximately 24 minutes.

Expected features include front-seat ventilation, voice controls, a 14.8-inch infotainment display and advanced driver assistance systems.

The Aion UT is anticipated to make its local debut at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.

Outlook

GAC International Philippines' current strategy focuses heavily on battery-electric vehicles. However, earlier statements from the company suggest that six to eight additional models, including possible hybrid offerings, may be introduced in the near future.