Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Philippine roads demand a vehicle that can keep up with life on the move. From rush-hour traffic and narrow city streets to weekend trips out of town, today’s drivers need a car that brings together style, comfort, and everyday practicality. Designed for urban life, the all-new GAC AION UT pairs compact agility with the room and versatility of a much larger car.
A Two-Car EV Garage: How the AION UT Works for the Galang Family
Beyond its features, the AION UT is already making a difference in the daily lives of local business owners and growing families.
Caloocan-based entrepreneurs Menchie and Christopher Galang run a photography and videography business while raising their children. With fuel costs climbing, they began looking for a more efficient way to get around. After exploring options and connecting with the EV community, they chose the GAC AION UT for its space, value, and smart features.
“The performance is really impressive, and the space inside is incredible; it easily accommodates all our bulky photo and video gear,” Christopher Galang said. “The advanced driving assistance and parking features bring so much convenience to our everyday trips.”
The couple was especially impressed by the AION UT’s smooth handling on steep inclines, whether they were heading to shoots in Angono or taking family trips to Tagaytay and Batangas. Its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability also lets them power equipment on location.
They bought their first AION UT in July. The comfortable drive and significant savings, bringing their weekly fuel costs down from roughly PHP 4,000—proved so compelling that they sold an underused gas vehicle and bought a second AION UT just two months later.
“We realized we were constantly competing over who got to take the AION UT for the day because it was just so comfortable and economical to drive,” Menchie Galang recalled. “Buying the second one just two months later was the most logical step for our family and our business.”
What began as an upgrade for work quickly reshaped the family’s daily routine. One AION UT now serves as the business workhorse, carrying production gear to shoot locations, while the other takes on family duties—from school runs to everyday errands. Together with their home solar setup, the two EVs help the Galangs power both work and family travel with dramatically reduced reliance on fuel.
Big-Car Practicality, Made for Everyday Driving
With clean lines, balanced proportions, and a friendly road presence, the AION UT is designed to make the most of its footprint. Its wheels are pushed out toward the corners, helping create a spacious, lounge-inspired cabin and a generous 440-liter boot—ready for groceries, luggage, or bulky work equipment.
The AION UT is equipped for Philippine road conditions, with a tight turning radius for crowded streets and IP67/IP68-rated waterproof battery protection. Its digital features include the GAC AION Mobile App, which enables remote cabin pre-cooling, charging-status tracking, and vehicle diagnostics. With a claimed driving range of up to 400 km, it also offers the potential to reduce daily running costs by up to 75 percent compared with gas-powered vehicles.
Safety is central to the AION UT’s design. On October 12, 2026, it received a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating, following its five-star Euro NCAP rating in September 2026. These awards give the model five-star ratings from two of the world’s leading automotive safety assessment programs. Built around a high-strength “Dragon-Bone” steel structure and equipped with seven airbags, the AION UT Elite sold in the Philippines carries the same certified safety standards.
The all-new GAC AION UT Elite is available at GAC dealerships nationwide, with an introductory price of PHP 998,000, down from its regular retail price of PHP 1,068,000. The promotion has been extended until December 31, 2026, under DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-269021, Series of 2026.
Every unit is backed by GAC Philippines’ ownership support, including an eight-year or 160,000 km basic vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 200,000 km warranty for the traction battery and electric drive system.
With manufacturing expertise shaped by more than two decades of collaboration with Toyota and Honda, GAC brings proven craftsmanship to its work in electrification and intelligent mobility—Where Craft Meets Technology.
GAC Philippines supports owners through a nationwide network of 33 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, and two years of free roadside assistance. Warranty coverage varies by powertrain:
- ICE models (EMZOOM and All-New GN6): five years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first.
- EV models (HYPTEC HT, AION UT, and AION V): eight years or 160,000 km for the basic vehicle warranty, and eight years or 200,000 km for the traction battery and electric drive system.
- PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max HEV, E8 HEV, GN8 PHEV, and GS8 HEV): five years or 150,000 km for the basic warranty, plus eight years or 150,000 km for the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit.
To explore the lineup or book a test drive, visit a GAC dealership or go to gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. Follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram for updates.