Aiways has started the first overseas shipment of its U5 all-electric SUV, with 500 models leaving the company’s manufacturing facility in Shangrao, China. The cars will arrive at the French island of Corsica next month. Residents and tourists on the island will be the first consumers in Europe to experience the Aiways U5, which will be available to rent from Hertz Corsica, operated by local company Filippi Auto. With this shipment, Aiways becomes the first Chinese startup to deliver EVs to the European Union (EU).
Aiways, the Shanghai-based company that describes itself as a ‘personal mobility provider’, is to start taking online orders for its U5 all-electric SUV from European consumers from the end of April. Secured via a small deposit, the U5 will be offered exclusively via a direct-to-customer sales model, and not retailed or leased through traditional dealerships. European pre-sale markets and the required deposit amount will be announced by Aiways in April.
Aiways, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, has lifted the covers on its U6ion electric crossover coupe concept. The concept arrives just ahead of Aiways’ European launch. The U6ion’s sibling, the U5 all-electric SUV, will be available in some European markets from August this year. The two share Aiways’ MAS (More Adaptable Structure) platform, a system that supports high-range electric vehicles to suit a variety of lifestyles, functions and configurations. Always says the U6ion capitalises on the relatively low weight of the MAS platform, combining it with a light motor, battery pack and interior to further improve vehicle range.
Aiways, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, has confirmed that its new U5 all-electric SUV will be made available in Europe exclusively via a direct-to-customer sales model, and not retailed or leased through traditional car dealerships. The announcement comes ahead of the reveal of the production-ready European version of the U5 which had been planned for the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show (from 3 March), where the company was due to introduce its first business partners in Europe.
