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Aiways

Automotive/EV brands  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

Aiways history under Independent. Origin: China. Status: Active. Aiways is an independent Chinese NEV manufacturer founded in 2017, known for its U5 and U6 electric crossovers and pioneering battery-swapping technology, which faced severe financial distress by 2024.

Chronological Storyline (17 Milestones)

Feb 1, 2017 CE

Founding of Aiways Automobile

Aiways was established by Samuel Fu and Gary Gu in Shanghai, focusing on the research and development of electric vehicles and battery technology. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

The logo of Aiways – Chinese EV manufacturer
The logo of Aiways – Chinese EV manufacturer
By Aiways Automobiles Co Ltd - Aiways' European website with colors from international website, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=98949006
Apr 1, 2018 CE

Acquisition of Roland Gumpert

Aiways acquired a majority stake in Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur, rebranding it as Gumpert Aiways to develop high-performance electric supercars. #China #Independent #DualMotor Source — Wikipedia:

Nov 1, 2018 CE

Shanghai R&D and Jiangxi Factory

The company established its global R&D center in Shanghai and began constructing a massive manufacturing base in Shangrao, Jiangxi province. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Mar 28, 2019 CE

U5 EV debut at Geneva

Aiways unveiled its first production electric vehicle, the U5 crossover, at the Geneva Motor Show, marking its official entry into the European market. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Aiways_U5 in Sindelfingen
Aiways_U5 in Sindelfingen
By Alexander Migl - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106249954
Jul 1, 2019 CE

Gumpert Nathalie reveal

The Gumpert Aiways Nathalie, a hydrogen fuel cell supercar, was announced, featuring a 0-100 km/h time of 2.5 seconds and methanol fuel cell technology. #China #Independent #HydrogenFuelCell Source — Wikipedia:

Gumpert Nathalie at Geneva Motor Show 2019
Gumpert Nathalie at Geneva Motor Show 2019
By Alexander Migl - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77471361
Dec 1, 2019 CE

U5 production begins

Mass production of the Aiways U5 officially commenced at the Shangrao manufacturing facility, utilizing a steel-aluminum hybrid body structure. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Apr 1, 2020 CE

European market launch

Aiways began delivering the U5 to European customers, starting in France and Germany, making it one of the first Chinese EV startups to sell directly in Europe. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Jul 1, 2020 CE

Battery swap tech launch

Aiways introduced its proprietary battery-swapping technology, allowing the U5 to exchange its battery pack in under 3 minutes at automated stations. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Sep 1, 2020 CE

U6ion concept reveal

The company revealed the U6ion concept at the Beijing Auto Show, previewing a coupe-SUV that would eventually become the U6 production model. #China #Independent #DualMotor Source — Wikipedia:

Aiways U6 at Auto Zürich 2023
Aiways U6 at Auto Zürich 2023
By Alexander-93 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=139992287
May 1, 2021 CE

Expansion to Israel and Italy

Aiways expanded its global footprint by launching the U5 in Israel and Italy, strengthening its presence in the EMEA region. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Nov 1, 2021 CE

U6 production model debut

The production version of the Aiways U6, a sleek electric coupe-SUV, debuted at the Munich Motor Show, featuring a 63 kWh battery and 160 kW motor. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Mar 1, 2022 CE

U6 European deliveries start

Aiways began delivering the U6 to European customers, offering a range of over 400 km WLTP and a distinctive aerodynamic design. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Oct 1, 2022 CE

Financial struggles begin

Reports emerged of delayed supplier payments and salary deferrals for Aiways employees, signaling the onset of severe financial difficulties. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Feb 1, 2023 CE

Production halted at Shangrao

Due to mounting financial pressures and unpaid supplier invoices, Aiways suspended vehicle production at its Jiangxi manufacturing facility. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Jul 1, 2023 CE

European operations suspended

Aiways halted new vehicle deliveries in Europe as inventory dried up, leaving existing customers concerned about warranty and service support. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Mar 1, 2024 CE

Bankruptcy proceedings reported

Chinese courts initiated bankruptcy proceedings against Aiways, highlighting the brutal competition in the Chinese EV market and the startup's failure to scale. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia:

Aug 1, 2024 CE

Attempted restructuring efforts

Despite bankruptcy rumors, Aiways attempted to restructure its debts and resume operations, though the success of these efforts remained highly uncertain. #China #Independent #LFPBattery Source — Wikipedia: