GAC expands EV and PHEV lineup in Bangladesh
Chinese automaker GAC is expanding its electrified vehicle portfolio in Bangladesh with its AION electric vehicle brand and the GAC E9 plug-in hybrid multi-purpose vehicle.
The lineup includes the AION V, AION Y and GAC E9, complementing the company's conventional vehicles already available in the country, according to a press release.
Founded in 1997, GAC developed its automotive manufacturing operations through partnerships with Honda in 1998 and Toyota in 2004.
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The company launched its own GAC Motor brand in 2010 and later established AION as a dedicated electric vehicle brand. GAC said its cumulative global production had exceeded 30 million vehicles.
GAC has introduced the AION V in Bangladesh with a claimed driving range of 485km under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure cycle.
The company said the testing method was designed to provide a more realistic indication of driving range than older laboratory standards. Actual range could vary depending on road, weather and driving conditions.
The AION V uses GAC's Magazine Battery 2.0 technology. According to the company, the battery system completed nail-penetration, bullet-impact and bending tests without catching fire.
Available in Premium and Luxury variants, the electric SUV combines a spacious, technology-focused cabin with features intended for city travel and longer journeys.
The vehicle comes with a five-year warranty, while an eight-year warranty, subject to applicable terms and conditions, covers its motor and battery.
GAC said prices for the AION V start at Tk52 lakh.
The GAC E9 offers a more premium approach to passenger travel and is available in GL and GX variants.
Its second-row executive seats feature a "One-Button Spa" function that reclines the seats into a zero-gravity position while activating massage, heating and ventilation features.
The cabin also includes a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted high-definition television, Yamaha audio, soundproof glass and dual electric sliding doors.
The E9 offers a claimed pure-electric range of 136km and a combined range of 1,032km.
Its safety and assistance features include a 360-degree airbag system and automatic parking, according to the company.
The GAC E9 comes with a six-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
The GL and GX variants are available starting at Tk85 lakh, the company said.
GAC said Bangladesh's transition towards electric mobility was still developing, with consumers having different budgets, transport needs and levels of familiarity with electric vehicles.
As purchasing an electric vehicle involves considerations such as battery technology, charging and everyday usability, the company said access to first-hand product experience was important.
GAC's flagship showroom at 215 Bir Uttam Mir Shawkat Sarak in Dhaka's Tejgaon Industrial Area invites prospective buyers to explore and compare the E9, AION V, AION Y, EMKOO and EMZOOM.
DHS Motors Limited is the official distributor of GAC vehicles in Bangladesh.
Established in 1994, the company has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including its longstanding association with Honda.
DHS Motors provides after-sales services through its service centre, along with genuine spare parts and warranty support for conventional and electric vehicles.
GAC said its long-range electric vehicles, premium electrified mobility options, after-sales services and customer experience facilities formed part of its strategy to expand in Bangladesh's evolving automotive market.
