AION Auto UK appoints Paul Barker to lead PR

July 22, 2026 by AION Auto UK
Paul Barker has joined AION as PR and Events Manager. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry across several senior roles, including his most recent tenure as Editor of Auto Express, and joins at an exciting time in AION’s development. The brand’s second model, the UT hatchback, is weeks away from hitting UK roads, joining the recently launched AION V in a line-up that will expand further through 2027 and beyond.

Barker will report to AION Auto UK’s Marketing Director, Alex Key.

‘This is a brilliant opportunity to play a part in growing a brand with big plans and join the experienced UK team building for the future,’ said Barker. ‘Its impressive preparation and carefully considered approach, including the market-leading Great 8 Promise, taking care of the servicing, MoT, roadside assistance and warranty for eight years, show AION is serious about the UK market, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.’

‘Adding someone of Paul’s calibre to AION’s experienced team reinforces that this is a brand intent on doing the right things for the long-term in the UK,’ said AION Auto UK Managing Director Jon Wakefield. ‘We’ve got ambitious growth plans, backed up by great product and the right people to drive us forward.’

The UT, an electric B-segment hatchback, will launch this autumn, with further models scheduled for 2027 on the way to a family of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2030.

AION is the electrified brand within the GAC Group. It was established in 2017 and last year sold over 300,000 cars in China, making it one of the best-selling new energy vehicle brands in the world’s largest EV market. Success in the UK is key for GAC’s internationalisation strategy, which targets one million overseas sales by 2030.

AION Auto UK has been formed as a joint venture between GAC International and Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands.