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 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 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 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 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: