A new Chinese car brand called Aion is preparing to enter the French market, with its debut planned for the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The brand will introduce two fully electric models: the Aion UT, a compact sedan, and the Aion V, a larger SUV. Both models will be assembled in Europe, marking the entry of the Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), a state-controlled company based in Guangdong province, into France. GAC is already active in the UK and Spain, and the brand's future French models were first shown during a visit to Indonesia. This move reflects the growing influence of Chinese automakers in the European market, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The Aion UT, a compact sedan measuring 4.27 meters in length, is slightly shorter than the MG4 EV, another Chinese electric sedan. Its design includes some refined lighting features, but the overall look is somewhat unemotional. Inside, the car offers a more upscale feel with high-quality materials and a 14.6-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. However, physical buttons are limited, which might be a drawback for some drivers. The rear seating is surprisingly roomy, but the trunk space, at 440 liters, is considered modest for an SUV-sized vehicle. The UT will have a range of up to 430 kilometers on a 60 kWh battery, and it is expected to be built in Graz, Austria, by Magna Steyr. In Spain, it will start at 30,995 euros, which is more expensive than the MG4 EV, which starts at 28,490 euros. The Aion V, a larger SUV measuring 4.61 meters in length, features a distinctive vertical light bar design and a contrasting roof. It shares many interior elements with the UT but offers a slightly more refined feel. The rear passenger space is generous, though the trunk capacity is limited to 427 liters. The Aion V will have a longer range of up to 510 kilometers on a 75.3 kWh battery and is expected to be assembled in the same plant as the UT, using the same platform. In Spain, the Aion V will start at 37,995 euros. For comparison, a similar model from the Chinese brand BYD, the Atto 3 Evo, is priced at 38,990 euros in France (before discounts), making the Aion V a slightly more competitive option. The Aion UT and V will face strong competition from other established Chinese brands such as MG, BYD, and XPeng. While the XPeng L03 is positioned differently, it could still pose a challenge to the Aion models due to its more advanced technical features. This competition highlights the growing presence of Chinese EVs in Europe, where consumers are increasingly looking for a variety of options with different features, prices, and performance levels. As the Aion brand prepares to enter France, it will need to differentiate itself in a market that is becoming more crowded with electric alternatives.