Aion has partnered with DHL Supply Chain to handle aftermarket parts logistics, aiming to provide nationwide next-day distribution for its electric vehicles. The deal allows DHL to manage storage, inventory, and order fulfilment through its UK network, launching with more than 1,250 genuine Aion V parts in stock. This setup is designed to give repairers and accredited workshops immediate access to components, a critical need for new electric vehicle brands entering the market.
Stocking the UK market
The dedicated parts operation supports the ‘Great 8 Promise’, a warranty package that covers the vehicle for eight years. This includes warranty, servicing, roadside assistance, and MOT coverage. Aion’s dealer network is expected to reach around 25 locations by the end of 2026, with ambitions to grow to approximately 100 locations by 2030. The system uses a fully digitised ordering process to minimise vehicle downtime, helping retailers maintain their service schedules without waiting for parts.
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DHL will combine warehousing expertise with rapid distribution to build trust with Aion’s network. Ben Hurford, the aftersales director at Aion Auto UK, noted that availability of spare parts is a primary concern for drivers considering a new brand. “Even before we sold our first car, we partnered with DHL to establish and stock up a dedicated UK parts warehouse so we can respond immediately when a workshop needs us to ship parts to them,” Hurford said.
The operation reflects the automaker’s long-term investment in its customers. Aion was founded in 2017 as an upper-mainstream electrified brand from GAC Group, a major Chinese automaker. In the UK, it operates as a joint venture between GAC and Jameel Motors. Paul Stone, managing director of manufacturing logistics at DHL Supply Chain UK and Ireland, emphasised the importance of fast access to parts for customer experience. “Fast, reliable access to parts is one of the most important factors in delivering a strong customer experience,” Stone stated.
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Building the network
For electric vehicle dealers, having parts available on the shelf is essential for maintaining customer confidence. A new entrant without a deep history of parts availability often faces skepticism from service centres that worry about long waits for shipments. By pre-stocking the warehouse with over 1,250 lines, Aion attempts to address this specific hesitation immediately.
