Shelbourne Motors has secured exclusive representation of AION across Northern Ireland and will open three dealerships in Belfast, Newry and Portadown in early 2027.
The appointment will give the family-owned dealer group its first new car franchise in Belfast as it builds AION’s presence across Northern Ireland from launch.
The initial model range will comprise the electric AION V SUV and AION UT hatchback. The electric UT Cross and GS7 SUV are due to follow later in 2027.
The GS7 will broaden the manufacturer’s UK powertrain offering by introducing hybrid and plug-in hybrid models alongside its electric vehicles.
Three AION dealerships planned
Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward family in Portadown in 1973 and remains under the leadership of its second generation.
The group sells more than 6,000 new and used vehicles annually and operates several new car franchises alongside its Autoselect used car business, Fleet4U contract hire and leasing division and SVRgo vehicle rental operation.
Duncan Johnston, network development director at 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 as we build a long-term presence with a partner who can grow with us as our model range expands.”
First Belfast new car franchise
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.
“Chinese manufacturers are bringing greater choice and new technology to the market. AION’s approach to its retail partners and long-term ownership support stood out to us. 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.”
AION entered the UK market with the electric AION V in May 2026 and added the UT hatchback in October.
Its ownership package includes an eight-year or 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, eight years of servicing and roadside assistance and MOT tests until the vehicle is eight years old.
Pictured: Alan Thompson, Shelbourne Motors’ chief operations officer (left) with Duncan Johnston, AION Auto UK network development director (right)
Ensure you always receive AM insights. Make us a preferred source of news on Google