MANILA, Philippines | The GAC AION UT is building momentum in the Philippines after posting stronger global sales and gaining early traction among local electric vehicle buyers.

GAC International Philippines Inc. (GAC Philippines) said the AION UT recorded 3,331 units in global sales in May 2026, up 60 percent month on month. The company described the model as the fastest-growing Chinese-brand electric hatchback in its segment.

The AION UT was launched in the Philippines in May 2026 as part of GAC’s new energy vehicle lineup. The compact electric hatchback has also expanded across Thailand, Australia, Latin America and Europe since its global debut in 2025.

Its global recognition includes the Most Valuable EV Award at the Bangkok International Motor Show, Best Compact Electric Vehicle Award in Mexico and Best Subcompact Hatchback 5 Dr. EV at Thailand’s Car of the Year 2026.

Designed by GAC’s Milan Design Center, the AION UT carries the brand’s “Digital Magic Cube” design language and a fastback body style. It has a 2,750 mm wheelbase, giving the hatchback a larger cabin footprint than its compact size suggests.

The model also uses GAC’s Magazine Battery 2.0 technology, which the company said has maintained a zero-spontaneous-combustion safety record.

“We are thrilled to bring another global hit from GAC’s line of innovations to the Philippines through the AION UT,” said Steven Wang, Senior Vice President of GAC International. “This milestone allows us to further serve and diversify our brand offerings in the local mobility scene. We are confident that the AION UT will bolster dynamic, safe, and sustainable driving for Filipinos this 2026”.

Early Filipino owners cited efficiency, cabin space and value as factors behind their decision to shift to the AION UT.

Paul Lacson, a Silay City government employee and GAC owner, said the brand’s quality helped him choose the electric hatchback after owning a GAC Emzoom.

“I also have a two-year old GAC Emzoom, and the quality of the brand made me confident in choosing the AION UT. Since the fuel crisis, I’ve been using the AION UT for everyday commutes. The drive comfort is very good, and the power for its size is very strong, especially on the highway. I took it on an out-of-town trip and for a 100-kilometer stretch, I only used 20% of the battery. It’s been a game-changer for my family”.

Lacson said he compared the model with other electric and hybrid vehicles before choosing the AION UT for its features, efficiency and operating cost.

Jeff Filio, a quality analyst and first-time EV owner, said the AION UT stood out after he researched competing options.

“I was looking at other brands, but after I saw the AION UT in an ad, I looked into it further and saw the higher range and better tech. It was actually the first release of the Aion UT at GAC Kawit,” said Filio. “We got the two-tone unit, which is exactly what my wife and I like. Picking up the unit was a special family experience. It was my grandma’s birthday, and we all had a lot of fun. My gut feeling, based on research and reviews, was right; I really like it, and the GAC app is also very handy”.

The AION UT Elite is priced at P1.068 million. Its introductory price of P998,000, which includes a P50,000 discount, has been extended until 31 July 2026. GAC Philippines is also offering an additional P20,000 promo discount for the first 400 units sold.

Color options include Champs-Elysees Beige, Emerald Green, Rococo White, Seine Silver and a two-tone Rococo White with Emerald Green combination.

GAC Philippines said the AION UT is now available for reservation at its dealerships nationwide. The company currently operates a 30-dealer network, supported by a local parts warehouse and aftersales operations.

EV models carry an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty, while the core three-electric system is covered for eight years or 200,000 km. New owners also get two years of free roadside assistance.

Toyota Motor Philippines is bringing the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup back to the track on 11 July 2026 at Clark International Speedway, with the next leg set to test alternative fuels under race conditions.

The series was paused after its opening round in March at Riverpark in General Trias, Cavite, following the Automobile Association of the Philippines’ decision to suspend sanctioned motorsports events due to the fuel crisis. With AAP allowing selected racing activities to resume, Toyota’s one-make series is returning with a new fuel direction.

The Clark round will serve as a “rolling laboratory” for Toyota, using ethanol-blended fuels for the Vios One-Make Race cars and biodiesel for the Tamaraw One-Make Race vehicles. Toyota said the program supports Gazoo Racing’s role as a testing ground for building better cars while exploring more sustainable racing solutions.

The March opener marked the competitive debut of the Tamaraw OMR on the 2.4-kilometer Riverpark street course. Toyota Motor Philippines president Masando Hashimoto also joined the action behind the wheel of a Tamaraw, while Iñigo Anton and Will Lucas took wins in their respective classes.

The Vios OMR also ran during the first leg, with Sporting, Super Sporting and Legacy race classes on the grid. Both the Tamaraw and Vios OMRs are expected to return at Clark for the July race weekend.

Other local motorsports events have also resumed, including the Makabayan Endurance Race Series and Super Sprint, where alternative fuels are being encouraged among competitors.

For Toyota, the Clark leg gives the TGR Philippine Cup a role beyond competition. It puts biofuel use under the pressure of actual racing, where heat, speed, consistency and reliability can be measured in real time.

BAIC Philippines said the B30e Dune 4×4 has become its leading model this year, accounting for 69 percent of the brand’s total 2026 sales volume.

The hybrid SUV is priced at P1,888,000 and has emerged as BAIC’s strongest seller as buyers look for a mix of performance, fuel efficiency, comfort and utility in one vehicle.

The B30e Dune uses a 1.5-liter hybrid system paired with a 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. The setup produces 409 PS and 685 Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.59 seconds with Launch Control.

BAIC said the model can also achieve up to 34.9 kilometers per liter, giving the B30e Dune a wide performance and efficiency range for daily driving and longer trips.

The SUV is equipped with an intelligent adaptive 4×4 system designed for changing road conditions, including flooded streets, rough provincial routes, sandy coastal areas and steep climbs. BAIC said the system gives the B30e Dune a full-time advantage rather than a feature used only for occasional trips.

The B30e Dune comes with a 14.6-inch infotainment screen that shows hybrid energy flow data while driving. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster displays key vehicle information for city and highway use.

The cabin also features leather seats with front-row ventilation and a panoramic sunroof. BAIC said these features address the heat and traffic conditions often faced by local motorists.

The model also includes a 540-degree camera system for tight parking spaces and blind-spot situations. A motorized power tailgate is fitted for easier loading of cargo in shopping areas and urban garages.

The B30e Dune adds a 150-watt, 220-volt rear cargo power outlet and Camping Mode, which allows the engine to function as a generator. BAIC said the feature can support equipment, essential devices during power interruptions or outdoor activities.

For safety, the SUV is fitted with six airbags and a Level 2 advanced driver assistance suite. The system includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Lane-Keeping Assistance, Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Braking.

BAIC said the B30e Dune’s share of its sales portfolio reflects a shift in buyer demand toward vehicles that combine capability, efficiency and comfort without forcing customers to choose one over the other.

The company said ownership support for the model includes genuine parts availability, service teams, dealership touchpoints and aftersales programs for long-term maintenance.

BAIC Philippines, distributed locally by UAAGI Auto Group, currently offers SUVs, crossovers and electrified models, including the B30e Dune Hybrid Off-Roader, B40 Pro TrailMaster, B40e Trailmaster rEV, B40 Ragnar, B60 Beaumont, B60e Beaumont rEV, B80 Wagon and X55 Verve.