As a famous philosopher once said, one shall fall and one shall stand. His name was Optimus Prime and he was the leader of the disparate Autobots. The saying could equally be applied to the Chinese automotive industry. As the Chinese century gains the first steps into becoming an economic powerhouse (it already is) the country’s automotive industry resembles the Eagle Nebula pillars of creation, a primordial dust cloud where new stars a born. It is located in the darkness of space some 6,500 lightyears away from Earth.

Aiways is China’s latest automotive star, which you may never have heard of before. That’s because the company was founded in 2017, and since that period it has been building up its product portfolio. The Aiways U6 is a culmination of the company’s short journey so far and it will enter the German market priced at €41,000.

The U6 borrows its electric vehicular technology from its Chinese sibling, the U5, which means it will incorporate a 63kWh battery powering a 215bhp/315 Nm torque electric motor which allows for a 0-62mph time of 7 seconds. The official range is stated at 249 miles and the U6 has fast charging capability, charging from 30 to 80 percent takes around 30 minutes.

Inside the U6 comes equipped with a 14.5-inch infotainment system that is also the primary interface for all ancillary controls. This is complemented by an 8.2-inch driver display. Aiways utilizes the latest safety and driver assists technology. Dubbed as a compact hatch crossover, the Aiways U6 is available to order in Germany now. First deliveries are expected to begin in 2023.

Aiways has ambitious plans to grow the brand both in China and in Europe, Its Shanghai-based production facility has the capacity to produce 150,000 vehicles per year. The company sells the majority of its cars in China and currently exports to 8 European countries. Aiway sells, on average, less than 800 cars per month.

…one shall fall one shall stand…