Chinese automaker GAC Group and Canadian automotive supplier Magna International have announced a significant vehicle assembly partnership aimed at accelerating electric mobility in Europe. The collaboration, announced on November 20, 2025, marks a strategic expansion of GAC's electric vehicle production into the European market through Magna's manufacturing expertise.
Strategic Partnership for European Expansion
Serial production of GAC's electric AION V SUV has officially commenced at Magna's Graz facility in Austria, representing a major milestone in both companies' European strategies. This partnership enables GAC to establish localized EV production, supply chains, and sales networks across key European markets while leveraging Magna's proven manufacturing capabilities.
Wei Haigang, President of GAC INTERNATIONAL, emphasized the importance of this development, stating that "Europe is a vital market in GAC's global development". He further noted that "partnering with Magna enables us to bring locally assembled electric vehicles to European customers that reflect GAC's values of smart technology, sustainability and craftsmanship."
Manufacturing Expertise and Market Deployment
Roland Prettner, President of Magna Complete Vehicles, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, explaining that "this partnership reflects the trust automakers place in Magna's expertise." He added that "our Graz facility provides flexibility and capacity, allowing OEMs like GAC to localize production efficiently and confidently."
The AION V electric SUV has already earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and has begun its European market introduction in Finland, Poland, and Portugal. GAC plans to expand into additional European markets through new partnerships and the development of comprehensive service and sales networks.
Proven Manufacturing Capabilities
Magna's Graz operation brings substantial manufacturing expertise to the partnership, with capabilities to produce internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles on shared production lines. With 125 years of automotive manufacturing experience, Magna has developed more than 40 vehicle models and produced over 4 million vehicles worldwide.
The collaboration combines GAC's focus on intelligent, high-quality, and sustainable mobility with Magna's manufacturing excellence, underscoring both companies' commitment to quality, reliability, and sustainable transportation solutions across Europe and beyond.
GAC Group, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Guangzhou, has appeared on the Fortune Global 500 list for 13 consecutive years. Magna International, with nearly seven decades of experience, is one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, operating in 28 countries with particular strength in North America, Europe, and China.
