Shanghai-based personal mobility provider Aiways is celebrating its five-year anniversary this month. Since its inception in February 2017, the battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer has disrupted the established order with its unique blend of smart technology and manufacturing together with international styling and quality. Focusing solely on electric vehicles, Aiways has produced an exceptional BEV at a competitive price with its U5 SUV – creating unexpected competition for legacy OEMs.
The battery electric U5 SUV first graced European roads during the summer of 2019, when the company embarked on an epic 15,022-kilometre prototype engineering drive from China to Western Europe, setting a Guinness World Record for ‘Longest journey by an electric vehicle (prototype)’. Since then, the U5 SUV has gone on sale in 10 European countries in just 15 months, with further market growth planned in 2022.
Dr Alexander Klose, Vice President of Overseas Operations, commented: “Aiways has grown tremendously in a short space of time, and we are very happy with the foundations
established in Europe. By the end of 2022, we aspire to reach at least five-figure sales through the growing popularity of the U5 SUV as well as the addition of a new model and markets.”
Defying preconceptions, the Aiways U5 SUV is proudly ‘Made in China’. The company has boldly entered new markets offering Chinese technical excellence, appealing style and advanced EV technology at an affordable price. Aiways’ fully-owned facilities in China include a state-of-the-art production plant in Shangrao with a current capacity of 150,000 vehicles; R&D and design centers in Shanghai; and a battery assembly production line in Changshu. The company’s overseas HQ is based in Munich, Germany.
Klose continued: “Aiways’ story is just beginning. We are proud to say our products are made in China to international standards and I believe this has become a hallmark of technical excellence. Our U5 SUV made a powerful impact when it entered the highly competitive European market. High-tech features, modern styling, advanced EV technology and an affordable price make it an appealing option for first time EV buyers.”
The company’s European business model facilitates rapid expansion into new markets without requiring investment in permanent showroom sites. Aiways sales partners control local distribution while a network of in-country specialists provides aftersales support. By Aiways’ first European anniversary in November last year, the startup had already gained a strong foothold on the continent thanks to collaborations with respected partners such as Euronics, Koelliker Group, Andersen Motors, Astara (formerly Bergé Group), Car East France and others.
Aiways started 2022 on a high by securing new funding and strengthening its executive team, providing fresh management impetus and helping accelerate the company’s growth plans. The new investment is accelerating development of the Aiways business globally – with particular focus on new market launches, products and sustainable mobility, enhancing the user experience and developing the brand’s digital capabilities.
Aiways will introduce a new model each year, starting with the U6 SUV-Coupé, which will join the U5 SUV on European roads later in 2022.
About Aiways
Founded in 2017, Aiways is a Shanghai-based personal mobility provider with its European HQ in Munich, Germany. It was the first Chinese start-up to introduce an electric vehicle to the European market with the launch of the U5 in 2020 – a battery-electric SUV with impressive range, style, and quality. Aiways is rapidly continuing its expansion in Europe and beyond: order books are open in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Israel, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Sweden – with more markets to follow. The U5 SUV is produced at Aiways smart production facility in Shangrao – one of the most modern car production facilities in China. The IT- controlled processes with challenging quality gates follow the standards of Industry 4.0. With an initial production capacity of 150,000 units per annum, Aiways can increase this number to 300,000 units when global EV demand rises. Aiways’ next model for Europe will be the battery-electric U6 SUV-Coupé. With a focus on sophisticated aerodynamics, highly connected driving, safety technology, and a sporty design, the U6 SUV-Coupé is just the next chapter of Aiways’ promising future.
