AIWAYS will present a production-ready fully-electric SUV at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, as part of its European launch.

The Shanghai-based manufacturer says the U5 will be one of the safest and most technologically advanced SUVs in the European market.

It was founded in 2017 and has expanded rapidly by building a research and development centre, battery plant and production facility.

AIWAYS president, Samuel Fu (Fu Qiang), said: “Launching the AIWAYS brand at the Geneva Motor Show represents a significant milestone in our company’s brief history. Our strategy to simultaneously enter into the domestic and international market begins here and we are looking forward to showcasing our new electric U5 SUV. We are not only offering a high-quality zero-emission vehicle, but also creating an entire mobility ecosystem tailored to customers’ needs.”

The company has also established Gumpert AIWAYS - based Ingolstadt, Germany - to develop new advanced vehicle technology and special series cars.

It plans to launch a range of small-series cars starting with the Nathalie, which is powered by four electric motors mounted close to the four wheels. The battery is charged during driving by a one-of-a-kind Methanol Power Cell, to enable high range efficiency for longer uninterrupted driving distances as required.