Buckle up, Vietnam Insider readers – the electric vehicle scene just took a wild turn! Aion, the Chinese car brand that zoomed into Vietnam with big promises, has closed its sole showroom in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7 after a mere three months of operation.
Launched in October 2024 with sleek electric models like the ES and Y Plus, Aion’s departure has left car enthusiasts buzzing with questions. Was this a misstep in the EV race, or a clever pit stop for something bigger? Let’s dive into the drama!
From Aion to BYD: A Swift Handover
In a surprising twist, Harmony Vietnam – the distributor behind Aion – handed over the dealership to fellow Chinese giant BYD in March 2025. The showroom on Huynh Tan Phat Street, once proudly waving the Aion flag, has now been transformed into a BYD hub. But don’t worry, Aion fans – the company insists this isn’t the end of the road. “We’re relocating to a new spot that’ll boost our brand and connect us with more customers,” a Harmony Vietnam spokesperson told reporter. New dealerships are apparently in the works, though no timeline has been spilled yet. Stay tuned!
Customers Left Hanging – No Cars, Just Refunds
Here’s where it gets juicy: Aion’s grand entrance last October came with a splashy reveal of its first customers. The plan? Deliver cars right after Tet 2025. But fast forward to today, and not a single Aion has rolled into an individual customer’s garage. Sources say a sudden shift in strategy derailed the deliveries, forcing Harmony Vietnam to negotiate deposit refunds. Talk about a bumpy ride for those early adopters who thought they’d be cruising in style by now!
What Happens to Aion Owners (If There Were Any)?
With the showroom gone, Aion assures customers that warranties, maintenance, repairs, and genuine spare parts won’t be left in the dust. Harmony Vietnam promises to uphold Aion’s standards, even as they hunt for new partners to launch dealerships in both the North and South. So, if you were dreaming of zipping around in an Aion ES or Y Plus, there’s still hope – just don’t hold your breath for a specific date.
Aion’s Bold Start: Affordable EVs with Big Range
Let’s rewind to Aion’s debut. The ES, a D-segment sedan priced at a C-segment-friendly VND 788 million, turned heads with its 134-horsepower motor and 442 km range. Meanwhile, the Y Plus – a crossover-MPV mashup at VND 888 million – boasted 204 horsepower and a 490 km range. Both models, powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries, screamed affordability and innovation. Charging? A standard 7 kW charger took 8 hours for a full juice-up, but the District 7 showroom (while it lasted) offered a 120 kW fast charger – 30-80% in just 35 minutes. Too bad it’s all a memory now!
Charging Woes and a Bigger Picture
Unlike some EV brands, Aion didn’t build its own charging network, opting instead to team up with third-party providers. That might’ve been a hurdle in a market where charging stations are still playing catch-up. Meanwhile, Aion’s parent company, GAC (a state-owned Chinese titan), keeps chugging along in Vietnam with gas-powered models via Tanchong – a totally separate operation from Harmony Vietnam’s electric dreams.
What’s Next for Aion – and Vietnam’s EV Craze?
So, what’s the deal? Is Aion hitting the brakes or just shifting gears? The company swears it’s not quitting Vietnam, but with BYD taking over the showroom and no clear roadmap for a comeback, readers can’t help but wonder: will Aion recharge its strategy and make a triumphant return, or has it lost its spark? One thing’s for sure – Vietnam’s electric vehicle market is heating up, and we’re all along for the ride.
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Source: Vietnam Insider