'Our ambition to keep growing': Northern Ireland family-owned car retailer lands exclusive AION franchise
‘The Ward family has spent more than 50 years building customer relationships in Northern Ireland and has a proven record of representing major manufacturers’
Shelbourne Motors has secured an exclusive appointment to represent Chinese electric vehicle brand AION in Northern Ireland, with a three-site launch planned for early 2027.
The family-owned motor group will become the manufacturer’s sole retail partner in the region, launching the brand at dealerships in Belfast, Newry and Portadown during the first quarter of next year.
The agreement will also see Shelbourne Motors establish its first new-car franchise in Belfast, operating from its existing SVRgo premises on Old Channel Road in the Titanic Quarter.
AION is part of GAC Group, one of China’s largest vehicle manufacturers, which celebrated producing its 30 millionth vehicle this summer.
Its UK business launched in 2026 through a joint venture between GAC and international automotive distributor Jameel Motors.
The brand entered the UK market with the fully electric AION V family SUV, followed by the AION UT hatchback last month.
The range is set to expand in 2027 with the electric UT Cross and GS7 SUV, which will introduce hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Alan Thompson, chief operations officer at Shelbourne Motors, said: “Being appointed AION’s sole retail partner in Northern Ireland is a statement of intent for Shelbourne Motors. It reflects the strength of our brand, the reputation we have built and our ambition to keep growing.
“We are selective about the manufacturers we represent. We have earned a loyal customer base over more than 50 years, and we take that trust seriously. The vehicles have to be right for our customers, and the manufacturer has to share our values and commitment to service. AION’s approach to its retail partners and long-term ownership support stood out to us.
“Chinese manufacturers are bringing greater choice and new technology to the market. With GAC’s manufacturing expertise behind it and an expanding range, we believe AION has considerable potential in Northern Ireland.
“As its exclusive retail partner, we have the opportunity to build the brand here from the outset. Launching across three locations, including our first new-car franchise in Belfast, demonstrates our commitment to the partnership.”
Duncan Johnston, network development director of AION Auto UK, said: “Choosing our exclusive retail partner in Northern Ireland is an important step in AION’s UK expansion. We wanted a business with the reputation, experience and ambition to establish the brand here for the long term. Shelbourne Motors brings all three.
“The Ward family has spent more than 50 years building customer relationships in Northern Ireland and has a proven record of representing major manufacturers. That experience, together with the team’s plans for AION, made Shelbourne stand out.
“Our aim is to build a lasting presence in this market, giving customers confidence in our vehicles and the support behind them. Launching in Belfast, Newry and Portadown gives us a strong start and a partner who can grow with us as we introduce more models.”
The group was founded by the Ward family in Portadown in 1973 and remains under the leadership of the second generation of the family.
It sells more than 6,000 new and used vehicles annually, with AION joining an existing portfolio that includes Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Kia, Dacia and MAXUS.
Shelbourne Motors also operates Autoselect used car sales, Fleet4U contract hire and leasing, and SVRgo vehicle rental.