Shelbourne Motors will represent Aion across Northern Ireland, starting with sites in Belfast, Newry, and Portadown.
The manufacturer is targeting at least 100 retailers by 2030.
Alan Thompson, chief operations officer at Shelbourne Motors, said: “Being appointed AION’s sole retail partner in Northern Ireland is a statement of intent for Shelbourne Motors. It reflects the strength of our brand, the reputation we have built and our ambition to keep growing.
“Chinese manufacturers are bringing greater choice and new technology to the market. AION’s approach to its retail partners and long-term ownership support stood out to us.
“As its exclusive retail partner, we have the opportunity to build the brand here from the outset. Launching across three locations, including our first new-car franchise in Belfast, demonstrates our commitment to the partnership.”
Aion made its UK debut with the fully electric Aion V family SUV in May, which was joined by the Aion UT hatchback in October.
The line-up will expand in 2027 with the arrival of the electric UT Cross and the GS7 SUV.
Aion’s Great 8 Promise offers an eight-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, eight years of servicing and roadside assistance, and MOTs until the car is eight years old.
Duncan Johnston, network development director of AION Auto UK, said: “Choosing our exclusive retail partner in Northern Ireland is an important step in AION’s UK expansion. We wanted a business with the reputation, experience and ambition to establish the brand here for the long term. Shelbourne Motors brings all three.
“The Ward family has spent more than 50 years building customer relationships in Northern Ireland and has a proven record of representing major manufacturers.
“That experience, together with the team’s plans for AION, made Shelbourne stand out as we build a long-term presence with a partner who can grow with us as our model range expands.”
