Innovation drives AITO's growth, says Seres chairman

Seres, a Chinese NEV maker headquartered in Chongqing, has doubled down on its "software-defined vehicle" strategy, focusing on intelligent range-extended EVs, smart driving, and green manufacturing, said Chairman Zhang Xinghai.

Zhang made the remarks on Thursday in his speech at the 36th annual conference of the city's auto industry, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the sector's future.

Its premium brand, AITO, has gained traction in China's high-end market. Following the launch of the AITO M9 in 2024, the model's annual deliveries exceeded 150,000 units, securing its position as the best-selling luxury vehicle in the segment priced over 500,000 yuan ($68,820).

"Government policy support, capital investment, and consumer confidence in domestic brands have all been critical to this success," Zhang said. "Meanwhile, companies across the supply chain have been relentless in driving technological progress."

Zhang called for efforts to accelerate high-end, intelligent, and sustainable development under the framework of new-quality productive forces, urging companies to capitalize on opportunities in the evolving market.

Chongqing, a key manufacturing hub, saw vehicle production rise 9.4 percent year-on-year to 2.54 million units in 2024, with NEV output surging 90.5 percent to 953,000 units.

The city has set ambitious targets to establish itself as a center for intelligent and connected NEVs.

"The business environment here is strong, and opportunities abound," Zhang said. "Seres welcomes more industry players to Chongqing to collaborate and drive commercial success."

China is solidifying its dominance in the global NEV market. In 2024, domestic NEV sales surpassed 13 million units, marking the tenth consecutive year at the top of global rankings and accounting for 70 percent of worldwide deliveries.