Aito signs UAE dealer to kickstart global expansion efforts

Aito's flagship model Aito 9 — known as the Aito M9 in China — has launched local test drives in the UAE.Aito vehicles have arrived at Dubai port, poised for immediate delivery following the official launch.(Image credit: Aito)Aito — a new brand jointly developed by Seres (HKG: 9927) and Huawei — has formally launched its international expansion efforts following the luxury brand's initial success in the Chinese domestic market.Aito signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Performance Plus Motors — a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Motors, a luxury car dealer group in the UAE — at its Chongqing headquarters to expand into the Middle Eastern market, according to a statement on Friday.The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Aito's entry into the overseas luxury new energy vehicle (NEV) market and signals the official launch of the brand’s next phase of global growth, it said. Join us on Telegram or Google News With 40 years of industry experience, ADM ranks among the most influential luxury automotive dealership groups in the Middle East.Performance Plus Motors will oversee sales, delivery, and after-sales services for Aito models in the UAE, with plans to establish brand experience and service centers.ADM will leverage market insights to drive localized marketing and brand communication, accelerating Aito's entry into the region's premium consumer market.Aito models have completed localized hardware and software adaptations along with required certifications. The flagship Aito 9 — known as the Aito M9 in China — has commenced local user test drives in the UAE.Aito vehicles have arrived at Dubai port, poised for immediate delivery following the official launch."Our collaboration with ADM is an important milestone in AITO’s globalization strategy and marks a new starting point for joint exploration of the luxury NEV market in the Middle East," said Jason Wang, president of Seres Auto overseas business unit.AITO is the premium automotive brand jointly launched by Seres and Huawei on December 2, 2021. As the first brand under Huawei's HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) business, it currently offers the M5, M7, M8, and M9 models in China — all SUVs (sport utility vehicles).Last month, AITO reached the milestone of its 1-millionth production vehicle rolling off the assembly line. The milestone vehicle was the M9, Aito's flagship model with a starting price of RMB 469,800 ($67,350), one of the most expensive models from a Chinese domestic brand.Since its launch in December 2023, the Aito M9 has demonstrated robust performance, with cumulative deliveries exceeding 260,000 units over its two-year market presence, the brand said at the time."Aito's technological capabilities, product quality, and luxury brand positioning align closely with the demands of the Middle East's high-end market and match our philosophy of cultivating the luxury segment and pursuing exceptional experiences," said Syed Faiz Karim, CEO of ADM.As China’s auto market rapidly transitions to electrification, domestic automakers are expanding into overseas markets with competitive products and technologies.In the UAE, Chinese automakers including Chery (HKG: 9973), GWM (HKG: 2333, SHA: 601633), Dongfeng Motor (HKG: 0489, OTCMKTS: DNFGF), and Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO, HKG: 9866) have established a presence. Huawei-backed Aito to unveil new M6 model this spring The Aito M6 is expected to target the family SUV market priced around RMB 250,000.