Aito plans to expand into Europe by the fall of 2027
The Chinese Seres brand Aito outlined its plans to enter Europe at the Paris Auto Show: The electric vehicle manufacturer aims to launch in the European market in the fall of 2027. In Paris, the luxury car maker already introduced its lineup of Aito 9, Aito 8, Aito 7, and Aito 6.
Image: Aito
Aito is a brand founded in December 2021 that produces high-quality smart cars with electric drive systems. It belongs to the Seres Group and was initially often associated with Huawei. However, Huawei “only” provides the digital technology for the cars; Seres is responsible for the platform itself. The name of the subsidiary means “Adding Intelligence to Auto.” Aito’s models are positioned as luxury electric vehicles. The lineup includes both pure electric cars and range-extender vehicles.
The cumulative deliveries of this brand are said to have exceeded 1.2 million vehicles so far. Aito has been active almost exclusively in China to date. Last year, the manufacturer announced its intention to export three of its electric cars to international markets — and sales have now begun at least in the United Arab Emirates.
Regarding the timeline for the already announced expansion into Europe, Aito now specifies that market entry is targeted for fall 2027. The brand is currently preparing for local regulatory requirements and “comprehensive localization,” particularly in terms of services and distribution. The company does not mention which European countries it plans to enter first.
Clifford Kang, board member and Vice President of Seres Group, focuses more on the brand’s core philosophy: “For Aito, ‘new luxury’ emerges where traditional luxury meets technological luxury. We combine exceptional performance, refined comfort, and craftsmanship with cutting-edge intelligence in both our vehicles and services to create an even more elevated luxury experience. It’s about putting technology at the service of people. As we expand globally, we look forward to bringing this philosophy to our customers around the world.”
The vehicles displayed in Paris are not new models but are already known in China, where they are called Aito M6 through M9. With a length of 5.23 meters and a wheelbase of 3.11 meters, the Aito 9 is positioned as a luxury electric SUV flagship, available either as a battery-electric vehicle or with a range extender. It is offered in five- or six-seater configurations. Slightly below it are the Aito 8, an upper-class electric SUV, and the Aito 7, a large crossover SUV with five to six seats. The Aito 6 enters the mid-range as a crossover SUV. All these vehicles are based on the Seres MF platform and use batteries from CATL.
By the way, Seres announced just a few days ago that it plans to intensify its collaboration with CATL for Aito. A key focus of this partnership is expanding battery production under the factory-in-factory concept. CATL already operates a battery assembly plant on the premises of the “Seres Super Factory” in Chongqing, which is now set to be expanded.
The second construction phase is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 10 to 12 GWh. Once completed, the combined capacity of both phases will exceed 20 GWh per year. This arrangement brings battery system manufacturing and vehicle assembly closer together geographically. The companies aim to achieve more efficient industrial processes and greater cost competitiveness as a result.
The first phase of the project went into operation in June 2025. At that time, CATL launched two production lines for battery packs based on its Cell-to-Pack 2.0 technology, according to the company’s own statements. The facility in Chongqing was simultaneously the battery manufacturer’s first production site in the city and its first project following the “Plant-in-Plant” principle. The now-agreed second phase is intended to expand production capacity for Aito accordingly.