steveting99 3rd Gear February 16 Author Share February 16 (edited) On 11/27/2025 at 4:11 PM, Lethalstrike said: I'm quite surprised we still have people working out how much a distributor / dealer is making based on open information such as OMV and using that to assume its the actual selling price from the manufacturer to the dealer/distributor. Been discussed and explained many times before in this forum. If one bothered to do a search, one would understand. OMV + all the cost assumptions at the end of the day are just your own assumptions, the actual transfer price from manufacturer to distributor can be very different. If you aren't in the trade or know of anyone in the trade, you won't know the real cost. Assuming and deriving profit margins is a pointless exercise. End of the day, you buy what you can afford and like. End of story. OMV in LTA explanation is the price declared and paid to the Singapore Customs by the importer. Transfer price from importer to dealer/distributor is another story hor. @Lethalstrike Thought I'd clarify this point as it seems to be directed at mwah - since I'm one of the few who are doing the cost breakdown analysis for new rides on a cash basis. Understand that some, possibly the money jiāngshī (吸血鬼), don't like to see numbers and rather wave things off as if it means nothing in terms of price/affordability. But, using a common yardstick to measure all rides would be better than having nothing at all. Being consistent in the measurements (even though it maybe imprecise) to compare various makes and models is better than none at all. All the numbers are taken from LTA and dealers' advertised sales price brochures - these are public information. If one wants to import directly, this is what the cost is going to be as Singapore government doesn't want to be short changed on their duties and taxes. One may get a good deal from the importer and thus pay less than the OMV, (which works out a cost savings), but Singapore government doesn't care about this. So not really interested on how the pie is cut between manufacturer ---> importer ---> distributor ---> authorized dealer. More on how big the pie is in the first place as that's what I'm going to pay for. It's a question of reasonableness - which can be subjective (see the money jiāngshī (吸血鬼) rating system). It's also a large contributor to the significant depreciation of the ride on the first year. Who in their right mind want to pay for the triple digit margins by the AD on a used ride? FYI, did a comparison for the Aion ES and Aion Y Plus over the causeway to see what the margins are. Looking at the spec sheets, they appear to be the same as in Singapore. See below for the Aion ES in Malaysia. The Aion Y Plus in Malaysia specs is here: https://gacmotor.com.my/product/aion-y-plus/ Both units are fully imported (suspect its from GAC factory in Thailand that makes RHD vehicles). Before the end of 2025, Malaysia had EV incentives that allowed Complete Build Up (CBU) units to be exempted from both custom duties and import taxes. The only thing that needs to be paid is the Sales & Services Tax (SST) which is 10%. The business model in Malaysia is the same as Singapore as it's by a distributor who's making a cut - this time it's WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA). Made the assumption that the cost to import either the ES or Y Plus to JB is around the same as getting into Singapore - so OMV is about the same. When netting things out, here are the margins that WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) is making based on OMV. Aion Y Plus: 45.1% (with 10 years maintenance costs of RM$5.4k, see picture below) Aion ES: 45.6% (with 10 years maintenance costs of RM$5.4k - same as Y Plus) So how does VinCar / EV Hub compare to WTCA who offers the same make and model over the causeway? Below is the end of Dec-2025 numbers. VinCar / EV Hub margin on Aion ES: 114% VinCar / EV Hub margin on Aion Y Plus Premium: 117% The question is what is one getting for the extra costs at VinCar / EV Hub, apart from the smile and a wave of bye-bye? Better service? A few extra freebies - such as a dash cam and floor mats? Not picking on VinCar / EV Hub in particular - but there are many money jiāngshī (吸血鬼) in Singapore that does this. Hence it's a lucrative business to be a new ride seller here in Singapore. Interesting that most money jiāngshī (吸血鬼) are hiding behind the CoE to cover themselves. Edited February 16 by steveting99 additional text ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowcat 1st Gear February 16 Share February 16 Anyone know how much is the Aion V Lux going for as of now? Last I know was Motorshow like 179k. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveting99 3rd Gear February 18 Author Share February 18 (edited) Haven't seen a thread opened yet for the new model just released by GAC/VinCar/EV Hub at the start of 2026 - the B&B hatchback called Aion UT. There are two versions of the Aion UT available - Standard and Premium. Dimensions are shown below (taken from brochure). Wheelbase is an impressive 2,750mm - which will provide some decent leg room in the back for passengers. Apparently on par with Toyota Corolla or VW Golf. Door handle are semi-recessed. Will need to check if it complies with GB 48001-2026, "Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles," which comes into force on Jan. 1, 2027. This bans fully hidden/retractable door handles. Existing models such as the Aion UT has until the 1-Jan-2029 to be compliant , if it's not already. VinCar / EV Hub was smart enough to keep the Aion UT in the Cat A territory and limit power output 100kW for both Standard and Premium versions. The Premium version has the higher 210Nm of torque output. Good enough to do zero to 100km/hr in 10 seconds. The Standard version has lower torque output of 145Nm and slower to the century mark of 12 seconds. The interior layout should be familiar to those who have the Aion V. There's a 8.8" driver's display and 14.6" center touchscreen. Nice to see manual air vents. Regular steering wheel with scroll wheels. Drive selector on the column and indicator stalks. The driver's and front passenger seats are manual adjustment on the Standard version. Premium get ventilated and has 6-way electrical adjustments for the driver, while the front passenger gets 4-way electric adjustments. Missing lumbar support. The Premium version gets a single wireless charging mat - doesn't appear to be ventilated. Fake vegan leather is available on the Premium version while the Standard version gets cloth seats. There's a panoramic sunroof with a retractable blind available only on the Premium version. The Premium also gets an additional USB-A type port at the rear and automatic anti-glare rearview mirror (Standard gets manual). The boot is a generous 440L for a hatchback - expands to 1,600L with the rear seats folded. Manual tailgate for the Standard, while the Premium gets an electric tailgate. Some selected specs for the Premium version with comparison to Standard. Top speed: 160 km/hr (Standard is slower at 145km/hr) Battery Capacity : 60kWhr (Standard is smaller at 44.12kWhr) Battery chemistry: LFP (need to check if it complies with GB 38031-2025 " Safety Requirements for Power Batteries of Electric Vehicles") WLTP range: 410km (Standard is shorter at 335km due to the smaller battery) AC charging rate: 6.6kW DC fast charge: 80kW (Standard is slower at 70kW) DC fast charging time from 30% to 80%: 24 minutes (Standard is the same time due to the smaller battery) The 10% to 80% time would be much longer. Number of speakers: 6 (the same for Standard) Wheel size: 17" (Standard is smaller at 16") Number of airbags: 6 (Standard is the same) Will have to check crash test results of ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Energy consumption: 17.4 kWhr per 100kms (Standard is better at 15.6 kWhr per 100kms) Kerb weight is around 1,540kg and the gross vehicle weight is 2,000 kg. Which means the maximum carrying capacity is 460kg. Front suspension is MacPherson Strut while the rear is torsion beam Competing against the Aion UT will be Dongfeng Box, Ora Good Cat, MG 4 EV Trophy, BYD Dolphin, the upcoming BYD Atto1 (or Seagull in overseas markets), Volkswagen ID.3, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 hatchback, Geely Geome Xingyuan (rebadged at the Proton eMas5 over the causeway), Mini Countryman electric and the Nio Firefly. Edited February 18 by steveting99 typo 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub123 1st Gear February 18 Share February 18 On 2/18/2026 at 3:27 PM, steveting99 said: Haven't seen a thread opened yet for the new model just released by GAC/VinCar/EV Hub at the start of 2026 - the B&B hatchback called Aion UT. There are two versions of the Aion UT available - Standard and Premium. Dimensions are shown below (taken from brochure). Wheelbase is an impressive 2,750mm - which will provide some decent leg room in the back for passengers. Apparently on par with Toyota Corolla or VW Golf. Door handle are semi-recessed. Will need to check if it complies with GB 48001-2026, "Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles," which comes into force on Jan. 1, 2027. This bans fully hidden/retractable door handles. Existing models such as the Aion UT has until the 1-Jan-2029 to be compliant , if it's not already. VinCar / EV Hub was smart enough to keep the Aion UT in the Cat A territory and limit power output 100kW for both Standard and Premium versions. The Premium version has the higher 210Nm of torque output. Good enough to do zero to 100km/hr in 10 seconds. The Standard version has lower torque output of 145Nm and slower to the century mark of 12 seconds. The interior layout should be familiar to those who have the Aion V. There's a 8.8" driver's display and 14.6" center touchscreen. Nice to see manual air vents. Regular steering wheel with scroll wheels. Drive selector on the column and indicator stalks. The driver's and front passenger seats are manual adjustment on the Standard version. Premium get ventilated and has 6-way electrical adjustments for the driver, while the front passenger gets 4-way electric adjustments. Missing lumbar support. The Premium version gets a single wireless charging mat - doesn't appear to be ventilated. Fake vegan leather is available on the Premium version while the Standard version gets cloth seats. There's a panoramic sunroof with a retractable blind available only on the Premium version. The Premium also gets an additional USB-A type port at the rear and automatic anti-glare rearview mirror (Standard gets manual). The boot is a generous 440L for a hatchback - expands to 1,600L with the rear seats folded. Manual tailgate for the Standard, while the Premium gets an electric tailgate. Some selected specs for the Premium version with comparison to Standard. Top speed: 160 km/hr (Standard is slower at 145km/hr) Battery Capacity : 60kWhr (Standard is smaller at 44.12kWhr) Battery chemistry: LFP (need to check if it complies with GB 38031-2025 " Safety Requirements for Power Batteries of Electric Vehicles") WLTP range: 410km (Standard is shorter at 335km due to the smaller battery) AC charging rate: 6.6kW DC fast charge: 80kW (Standard is slower at 70kW) DC fast charging time from 30% to 80%: 24 minutes (Standard is the same time due to the smaller battery) The 10% to 80% time would be much longer. Number of speakers: 6 (the same for Standard) Wheel size: 17" (Standard is smaller at 16") Number of airbags: 6 (Standard is the same) Will have to check crash test results of ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Energy consumption: 17.4 kWhr per 100kms (Standard is better at 15.6 kWhr per 100kms) Kerb weight is around 1,540kg and the gross vehicle weight is 2,000 kg. Which means the maximum carrying capacity is 460kg. Front suspension is MacPherson Strut while the rear is torsion beam Competing against the Aion UT will be Dongfeng Box, Ora Good Cat, MG 4 EV Trophy, BYD Dolphin, the upcoming BYD Atto1 (or Seagull in overseas markets), Volkswagen ID.3, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 hatchback, Geely Geome Xingyuan (rebadged at the Proton eMas5 over the causeway), Mini Countryman electric and the Nio Firefly. The UT is very Zippy, fun car to drive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13177 Hypersonic February 18 Share February 18 On 2/18/2026 at 8:33 PM, Sub123 said: The UT is very Zippy, fun car to drive. This UT looks like dongfeng box. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub123 1st Gear February 18 Share February 18 On 2/18/2026 at 9:19 PM, 13177 said: This UT looks like dongfeng box. Spec and feature wise it’s way better than DF Box.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveting99 3rd Gear February 20 Author Share February 20 On 2/18/2026 at 8:33 PM, Sub123 said: The UT is very Zippy, fun car to drive. @Sub123 Did you end up getting one? The reason I ask is that the Aion UT hatchback hasn't recorded an sales yet in Jan-2026 according to LTA - will see what happens in Feb-2026. Think Aion UT Premium version is going to have a hard time competing against the Omoda E5. With similar specs (Cat A) and features - as both are city type rides. Suitable for one who spends most of their time around Singapore. Not sure what one is getting for an additional +$8k of the Aion UT Premium vs. Omoda E5; maybe the new funky hatchback shape vs. traditional SUV/crossover? See below. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub123 1st Gear February 20 Share February 20 @steveting99 No i did not go for the UT, prefer the Aion V. I have test drove Omoda too and don't like the drive, esp the gen break. For price wise, need to go down and check with SE, on paper sometime not accurate..and i don't thk the price diff is so much... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveting99 3rd Gear March 9 Author Share March 9 Well, what a difference a few months make in the automotive industry, particularly when it comes to safety. LTA is engaging the industry on emergency mechanical door release features in vehicles with electronic doors and the lead time required for models without such features to comply with new safety standard, according to 9-Feb-2026 CNA article here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lta-monitoring-hidden-car-door-handles-safety-concerns-5916806 The new standard referred to is GB 48001-2026 and titled "Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles". It comes into affect on 1-Jan-2027 in China. A good explanation on GB 48001-2026, why its being implemented, how important it is, it's affect the EV auto industry in China and comparison to other standards can be found in the post here: https://wcevcar.com/en/blog/1770363011. Common sense on door handle safety has prevalied.😃 Better for everyone in the end.👍 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
inlinesix Hypersonic March 9 Share March 9 For Eastie, Aion is having roadshow in PLQ outdoor foyer now. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobayashiGT Internal Moderator March 9 Share March 9 On 3/9/2026 at 3:24 PM, inlinesix said: For Eastie, Aion is having roadshow in PLQ outdoor foyer now. what is the promo. 🤣 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
inlinesix Hypersonic March 9 Share March 9 On 3/9/2026 at 3:54 PM, kobayashiGT said: what is the promo. 🤣 Didn’t ask. Impressed the interior space of UT and V Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13177 Hypersonic March 9 Share March 9 On 3/9/2026 at 8:12 PM, inlinesix said: Didn’t ask. Impressed the interior space of UT and V V interior indeed very impressive. It is very huge. But i find the drive for this car not that impressive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
inlinesix Hypersonic March 9 Share March 9 On 3/9/2026 at 9:52 PM, 13177 said: V interior indeed very impressive. It is very huge. But i find the drive for this car not that impressive. How not impressive? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13177 Hypersonic March 9 Share March 9 On 3/9/2026 at 10:41 PM, inlinesix said: How not impressive? Ride not smooth. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
inlinesix Hypersonic March 9 Share March 9 On 3/10/2026 at 2:14 AM, 13177 said: Ride not smooth. Or driver didn’t drive it smoothly 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13177 Hypersonic March 9 Share March 9 On 3/10/2026 at 6:20 AM, inlinesix said: Or driver didn’t drive it smoothly Not driver, it is the car itself. I find some EV even the regen is set to the lowest, and yet still can feel the jerky. But some EV doesn’t feel the regen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobayashiGT Internal Moderator March 10 Share March 10 On 3/9/2026 at 8:12 PM, inlinesix said: Didn’t ask. Impressed the interior space of UT and V that time motorshow i sit on the UT and the firefly. Firefly nicer, UT more practical. And the price is more palatable. hahhaa. ↡ Advertisement 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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