- Shelbourne Motors appointed exclusive AION Northern Ireland retailer.
- Three sites: Belfast, Newry and Portadown.
- Sites launch in early 2027.
- AION V and UT in initial line-up.
- UT Cross and GS7 follow later in 2027.
Shelbourne Motors will represent AION exclusively across Northern Ireland, with three sites launching early next year in Belfast, Newry and Portadown. The Belfast outlet will be the group’s first new-car franchise in the city.
AION model line-up in the UK
The brand made its UK debut in May with the fully electric AION V family SUV, which was joined by the AION UT hatchback in October. Both will form the initial line-up at the Northern Ireland sites. In 2027 the range grows with the electric UT Cross and the GS7 SUV, which brings hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to the brand.
Every model is covered by the AION Great 8 Promise. It includes an eight-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, eight years’ servicing and roadside assistance, and MOTs until the car is eight years old.
Why AION chose Shelbourne Motors
Duncan Johnston, Network Development Director of AION Auto UK, said the company wanted “a business with the reputation, experience and ambition to establish the brand here for the long term,” adding that Shelbourne Motors brings all three.
Founded by the Ward family in Portadown in 1973, the group remains under the leadership of the family’s second generation and sells more than 6,000 new and used vehicles annually. It already holds several other new car franchises in Northern Ireland and runs Autoselect used car sales, Fleet4U contract hire and leasing, and SVRgo vehicle rental.
Shelbourne Motors on the partnership
Alan Thompson, Chief Operations Officer at Shelbourne Motors, called the appointment “a statement of intent” for the business. He said AION’s approach to its retail partners and long-term ownership support stood out, and that launching across three locations, including the first new-car franchise in Belfast, shows the group’s commitment.
AION retail network growth plans
AION is a brand of GAC Group, and AION Auto UK is a joint venture between GAC and Jameel Motors, headquartered in Slough. More UK retailer appointments are due before the end of this year as the brand works towards its target of at least 100 retailers by 2030. The three Northern Ireland sites are set to open in early 2027.
Supplied by Newspress UK (AION Auto UK)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
Enjoyed this story? We need your help.
Add Saffarazzi as a preferred source. You’ll see more of our stories on Google, and you’ll help us grow.