JCT600 expands South Leeds EV hub with first AION dealership launch

JCT600 has expanded its electric vehicle offering with the launch of its first AION dealership at its Approved South Leeds site.

The new operation sees JCT600 become an authorised AION retail partner for the first time as the Chinese electric vehicle brand establishes its UK network. The dealership adds a further electric vehicle franchise to JCT600’s portfolio and will serve customers across Leeds, Yorkshire and the wider region.

AION will be represented alongside Chinese brand XPENG at the South Leeds facility, which has become a growing hub for electric vehicle sales and support. The dealership will provide full AION sales and aftersales services, with colleagues completing a specialist manufacturer training course.

The showroom space will initially have up to six display and demonstrator vehicles for customers to experience the first model available – the all-electric AION V family SUV.

Craig Saunders, brand director for JCT600 Approved and XPENG, said: “The arrival of AION is another milestone in the development of our electric vehicle offering. Leeds continues to be an important location for us as we build out a dedicated EV hub.

“Bringing AION on board alongside XPENG allows us to offer customers in the region a wider choice of new electric vehicles, supported by our existing sales and aftersales teams.”

AION Auto UK managing director, Jon Wakefield, said: “Launching with JCT600 is a significant development for AION in the UK. The South Leeds site provides a strong platform for customers to experience the brand and access ongoing support from day one.”

John Tordoff, executive chairman of JCT600, added: “The introduction of AION at Leeds is another example of how we are continuing to develop our electric vehicle retail strategy.

“The combination of new EV brands at the dealership reflects our long-term commitment to developing locations that can support our customers and offer the widest choice of high-quality new brands as the EV market continues to evolve.”
AION was founded in 2017 by GAC Group, one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers. The brand sold more than 300,000 vehicles in China last year and is expanding into the UK as part of its international growth strategy.

Founded in Bradford in 1946, JCT600 is one of the UK’s largest family-owned automotive retailers, representing 21 manufacturers and operating more than 50 dealerships across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and the North East.