In the rapidly evolving landscape of new energy vehicles, technology can sometimes feel distant and impersonal. Some car manufacturers increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to dictate styling, resulting in vehicles that prioritize precision and efficiency, but occasionally lose a sense of warmth and human connection.
Executives of GAC International Philippines and GAC International stand beside the GAC AION UT
during the official launch. In photo are (left to right) Chief Brand Officer Reggie See, General Manager Calvin Cheng, Chief Technological Officer of GAC International Masato Katsumata,
and Senior Regional Sales Manager John Paulo del Rosario
Engineered with the core philosophy of “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum,” the GAC AION UT is designed to give people more space, comfort, and freedom to fully enjoy everyday life, while minimizing the mechanical footprint through intelligent packaging and space-efficient design. The result is revolutionary “big car energy” that maximizes the cabin experience without increasing the vehicle’s overall size.
The Blueprint of Expertise and Love
The exceptional structural foundation and philosophy behind the AION UT are strongly backed by the strategic insight of Masato Katsumata, the Chief Technological Officer (CTO) of GAC International. A legendary automotive expert, Katsumata spent decades honing world-class manufacturing during his career at Toyota, where he most notably led the development of several nameplates, including the current model of the Camry.
While the vehicle was brought to life by GAC’s specialized project team under the leadership of the General Manager of Product Development, Katsumata served as a vital guide, offering deep technical advice to overcome complex planning and development challenges.
With the AION UT, Katsumata’s guidance helped ensure the vehicle’s engineering went far beyond standard automotive metrics. He endearingly refers to the vehicle as a project close to his heart, akin to a “daughter”, reflecting the deep protective care and human-first mindset embedded in its development. This profound level of paternal devotion is precisely what brought this compact hatchback to fruition, ensuring every curvature was built with a protective, human-first mindset. Rather than succumbing to aggressive, “boyish” tech trends or cold, AI-driven layouts, Katsumata embraced a balanced, chic aesthetic crafted by GAC with Milanese aesthetics and concepts. By prioritizing physical, human-centric details and appealing style over mathematical data, the design delivers an approachable, stylish lifestyle vehicle rather than a sterile gadget on wheels.
“Closer to Everyday Life”: A Deceptively Spacious Sanctuary
This philosophy drives the AION UT’s core design principle: being deeply closer to people and real, everyday life. While standard hatchbacks are often compromised by cramped proportions, GAC’s development team applied the “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” ethos, strongly endorsed by Katsumata’s engineering principles, to deliver the spacious openness and interior flexibility typically reserved for larger SUVs.
Built around a class-leading 2,750mm wheelbase, the vehicle features an airy architecture that easily accommodates passengers up to two meters tall. It represents a flexible mobility solution tailored specifically for the multi-faceted demands of Filipino households, whether navigating tight urban streets or loading gear for family road trips.
Chief Technological Officer of GAC International Masato Katsumata at the AION UT launch.
Stepping inside reveals how fatherly care translates into practical luxury. To solve the stress of daily cabin clutter, Katsumata designed thoughtfully integrated compartment spaces and practical storage solutions throughout the cabin. The layout allows drivers and passengers to neatly conceal everyday items out of sight, maintaining a serene, clean environment that functions as a mobile sanctuary.
Advanced Innovation Tailored for Philippine Roads
Beyond tactile comfort, the AION UT addresses the real-world anxieties of local EV ownership with a suite of durable, highly efficient technological solutions.
Safety serves as the absolute baseline of GAC’s development blueprint. The hatchback features GAC’s ultra-safe, proprietary “Magazine Battery” technology, celebrated globally as a gunshot non-flammable advancement that is rigorously waterproof and high-temperature resistant, providing complete peace of mind through the country’s intense climate and weather conditions.
The vehicle utilizes a high-strength, submarine-grade steel body cell and a multi-airbag protection system for maximum safety. It also features an advanced suite of driver assistance technologies—such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), a 360-degree Surround View Camera System, and an intelligent Drive-off Assist or Reverse Mis-Acceleration Mitigation system, making it perfectly tailored for both novice drivers and daily commuters.
To maximize energy efficiency without lessening ride quality, the AION UT utilizes advanced NVH cabin isolation and rides on specialized Chaoyang Tires with a Rolling Resistance Coefficient (RRC) of 5.3, co-developed to actively extend driving range. When a top-up is needed, its fast-charging infrastructure replenishes the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes, and clocks in about 400 to 500 kilometers range on a full charge cycle.
Pricing, Variants, Warranty and Availability
The all-new GAC AION UT is available in a vibrant, gemstone-inspired palette of exterior colors, including single-tone options and striking contrast roofs, matching its youthful, tech-forward aesthetic. These include Champs-Elysees Beige, Emerald Green, Rococo White, and Seine Silver, plus a two-tone combination of Rococo White and Emerald Green. Customers may now reserve for an AION UT at any GAC dealership nationwide.
The Aion UT Elite can be had for as low as PHP 998,000, which includes an introductory PHP 50,000 discount valid until June 30, 2026.1 An additional special promo discount of PHP 20,000 is available for the first 400 units sold.
| MODEL | SRP | INTRODUCTORY PRICE | BODY COLOR | INTERIOR |
| AION UT Elite(EV) |
PHP 1,068,000 | PHP 998,000
(until June 30, 2026 only) |
|
Black (with Black ceiling) |
GAC has leveraged 20 years of collaboration with Toyota and Honda to emerge as a dominant force in automotive tech. A legacy of world-class manufacturing and hybrid expertise ensures that every GAC vehicle adheres to the most stringent quality and performance benchmarks. By harmonizing international engineering with localized precision, GAC delivers high-performance durability tailored specifically for the Filipino driver’s peace of mind.
GAC Philippines also provides a “zero-anxiety” ownership experience through its growing nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, and comprehensive aftersales support. For internal combustion vehicles, customers can enjoy warranties of up to 5 years or 150,000 km. Meanwhile, EV models come with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, as well as an 8-year or 200,000 km warranty for the core three-electric system. All new owners also receive two years of free roadside assistance.
Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow on Facebook and Instagram @gacmotorph.
1Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-258113 Series of 2026
