GAC, OCN Invest US$50 Million to Deploy 2,000 EVs in Mexico

GAC and Mexican mobility platform operator One Car Now (OCN) have formalized a strategic partnership to accelerate electric vehicle adoption in Mexico through the deployment of 2,000 Aion UT electric vehicles, representing an estimated investment of US$50 million. The vehicles will primarily serve drivers on digital platforms such as DiDi in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, offering urban mobility solutions with a reduced environmental footprint.

“Platform drivers need reliable vehicles, and access to a brand like GAC represents innovation and high-quality standards. OCN will continue investing in high-impact projects within the mobility sector,” said Mario Sandoval, CEO, OCN. He also highlighted the company’s role as a financial partner in the technology and innovation ecosystem. “OCN was founded to support the tech ecosystem; we aim for industry stakeholders to find trust and backing in us.”

For GAC, Mexico is a strategic market in the company’s global expansion. “This alliance marks a key moment for GAC in Mexico, a country we consider central to our global development and one of the most dynamic economies in the Americas. Together, we are building a commercial alliance focused on sustainable mobility, with a scalable and efficient cooperation model,” said Wei Haigang, President, GAC Global. 

The Aion UT, GAC’s fully electric urban vehicle, is designed for  a range of use cases, from private ownership to corporate fleets and mobility platforms. The model offers a 44 kWh battery, 100 kW of power, and a range of up to 420 km, positioning it competitively against rivals such as BYD’s Mini Dolphin. The entry-level version is priced at 419,900 pesos.

Sergio González, Sales Director, GAC Motor Mexico, confirmed that the partnership includes investment in fast-charging infrastructure, with stations capable of 20-minute recharge cycles. The network will expand alongside the company’s distributor base, currently comprising 36 dealers with plans to reach 45. “Our goal is to provide Mexico with fast-charging stations and a complete ecosystem for the vehicles we are introducing,” he said.

GAC officials emphasized that existing 50% tariffs on Chinese imports will not affect Mexican consumers, as the company has committed to absorbing the cost. The automaker projects additional sales of up to 3,000 units by the end of 2026 as part of its expansion strategy.

The alliance was formally announced on Jan. 22 during a press event in Mexico City attended by GAC executives, including Wayne Wei, President, GAC International; Jack Lyu, Global Vice President; and Rafe Huang, President and CEO, GAC Mexico, alongside OCN leadership, including Sandoval and CPO Manuel Cangas. Wei underscored Mexico’s pivotal role in GAC’s global strategy: “This country is a pillar in GAC’s global strategy; it was our first subsidiary outside China and is now projected to be the hub driving our expansion across Latin America.”