GAC Aion, the new energy vehicle (NEV) unit of Chinese state-owned automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group, has launched its new ‘Ray’ battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand this week, offering the latest technologies to appeal to younger buyers. The automaker is looking to continue this year’s strong sales rebound, following a 23% decline to 290,000 vehicles in 2025.

The Guangzhou-based automaker also unveiled its first model under the Ray brand, the Ray 7, a medium-sized low-stance sporty sedan powered by CATL batteries and featuring GAC’s in-house ‘Magazine’ battery safety technology and an advanced energy management system.

The Ray 7 is based on what the company calls a super chassis, claiming to be the first model to use a chip-level integrated drive and braking architecture. Its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features algorithms derived from a Level 4 autonomous driving system.

The new brand was launched as GAC Aion looks to put behind it a recent investigation into the safety standards of the battery systems powering its GAC Aion S sedan. GAC Aion pointed out that the “malfunctions” were limited to Aion S models used for commercial operations, powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries, and that measures have been put in place to address the issue, including free inspections and battery replacements, extended warranties, and compensation for owners affected by the malfunctions.