As "AITO" goes global, challenging mountains and rivers with intelligence and measuring the world, China's intelligent driving is also breaking boundaries, "reaching everywhere," and conquering more overseas consumers.

Author/Tomato Sauce

Produced by/Xinzhai Business Review

In September, at the northern foot of Tianshan Mountain, the snow-capped peaks tower majestically, and the grasslands stretch vast and endless. A magnificent natural landscape slowly unfolds against the horizon. 

At the Khorgos Port, regarded as the "window of China's opening to the west," it faces Kazakhstan across the Khorgos River, guarding this land rich in history with its unique vastness and distance, watching every traveler embark on their journey abroad. 

And on September 8th, the Khorgos Port welcomed a special convoy: Six days prior, the "AITO Journey Across Mountains and Rivers: Intelligent Driving to Europe" convoy, comprising the AITO M9, AITO New M7, and AITO New M5, set off from Chongqing. After a launch ceremony at the Seres Super Factory on that day, they embarked on their journey without delay, covering a maximum daily driving distance of 1,334 kilometers with intelligent driving assistance. After six days of "braving wind and rain," they finally arrived at the Khorgos Port, where they regrouped and left the country, heading all the way to Paris for an exhibition. 

From the twilight of Chongqing, the mountain city, to the first rays of dawn at Khorgos, and then to Paris at "sunset"—this intelligent driving journey traversed 12 countries, lasting 38 days and covering approximately 15,000 kilometers across Eurasia. After navigating complex terrain such as plateaus and mountains, gobi deserts, and enduring severe weather conditions like extreme cold and heat, the AITO convoy finally arrived in Paris, dust-covered and weary, to participate in the 90th Paris Motor Show. 

And on October 14th, at the Paris Motor Show, one of the heroes of the convoy, an AITO M9 with a Chongqing license plate adorned with signatures, captured the attention of many visitors with its inherent "sense of story" upon its debut, becoming the biggest "attraction" of the show. Apart from garnering numerous "passerby fans," it was also praised by netizens: "An exhilarating expression of intelligence" "Art has been achieved." 

"The answer is always in the wind, and freedom is always on the road." In the current era where self-driving has become a "trendsetter" and a testbed for capabilities in the automotive world, AITO once again interpreted this phrase and successfully sparked the curiosity of car enthusiasts. 

What made AITO determined to "shoot a road movie"? What technologies enabled it to navigate complex road conditions and extreme environments? What are the differences between intelligent driving at home and abroad? And what interesting stories unfolded on this "fantastical drift" journey "from the workshop to the auto show"? 

I. A 15,000-kilometer "Journey of Skill Showcase": Gaining Countless "Passerby Fans" and Bringing Road Movies to Life 

When asked about the initial intention behind this "Journey of Skill Showcase," Li Bo, Vice President of AITO BG, stated that there were two main purposes: "Firstly, it's about new cars embarking on new overseas markets, from the workshop to the auto show, verifying the stability and reliability of our products through long-distance intelligent driving activities. Secondly, it's about showcasing our intelligent driving capabilities to friends along the way and conducting face-to-face 'market research' for the AITO brand." 

The results of this unique "research" revealed that overseas users' interest in China's intelligent driving technology far exceeded expectations. The crowd of foreign friends surrounding AITO vehicles granted them "celebrity-like" treatment abroad, earning them numerous "passerby fans" and bringing road movies to life. 

Take the cool parking feature as an example. AITO's parking system can effortlessly navigate tight spaces and even offers remote parking capabilities. Simply select a parking spot, and the car will automatically park itself, this "high-tech vibe" giving AITO an aura of protagonism, attracting crowds during every parking session along the journey. 

Foreign friends exclaimed "Amazing CHINA," marveling at the strength of China's intelligent driving technology. Many overseas enthusiasts even actively approached to experience the vehicles, first confirming that no one was inside, then opening the doors to explore the interior space and decoration, feeling the comfort brought by technology. 

Amidst cheers, AITO's desire for a "skill showcase" only grew stronger, turning the driving route into a "mobile auto show" for AITO, displaying their vehicles wherever they went and attracting numerous glances. 

On one occasion at a gas station, there was an office building next to the service area. Noticing a crowd of spectators by the windows, the AITO convoy performed an out-of-car parking demonstration: The driver exited the vehicle and walked into the gas station, while the car automatically parked itself. Upon completion, the entire building erupted in applause. 

In fact, beyond parking, AITO's intelligent features, both inside and out, attracted local foreign friends to explore, staging heartwarming and amusing scenes along the journey. 

Once, the AITO convoy projected a smart headlight display onto a restaurant wall in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, screening "Roman Holiday," drawing a large crowd and strong reactions. There were also families enjoying "quality time" together—parents experiencing the car in the front, while children set up a screen in the back to watch a movie. The AITO convoy happily shared knowledge with the audience, answering questions like "What are the functions of the ten screens in the car?" 

More romantically, in Cappadocia, Turkey, a hot air balloon hub. That day, due to strong winds the previous day, all balloons were launched on the same day, creating a spectacular sight. The AITO convoy joined in, only to be surrounded by onlookers due to the car's cool appearance. After releasing the balloons at 6 am, they couldn't escape until 10 am, becoming a beautiful local attraction alongside the balloons. 

Beyond onlookers, there were also high-net-worth individuals who became fans: "Many users eagerly inquired about the vehicle's details, including some luxury car owners, earning us many potential customers along the way," Li Bo proudly stated. 

This is one of the significances of AITO's "Intelligent Driving Around the World Journey": Through face-to-face "education" sessions with onlookers, it not only broadened overseas car enthusiasts' understanding of "intelligent vehicles" but also established AITO as a shining beacon for China's intelligent driving, continuously conquering high-net-worth customers at home and abroad, accelerating the advent of the "New Intelligent Luxury" era. 

II. "Intelligence Reshaping Luxury": Behind AITO's Conquest of Overseas High-Net-Worth Users Lies Its Technological Core 

What constitutes luxury? Perhaps we can find reference standards in the book "The Spirit of Luxury": "Luxury (luxury) is the pursuit of ultimate beauty, a yardstick by which the world transcends mediocrity."

This aptly describes the essence of luxury and grandeur. For automobiles, inherently technological products, delivering an ultimate new experience through intelligence makes the AITO M9 a benchmark for "New Luxury." Since its launch, the AITO M9 has quietly captured the hearts of BBA users. 

According to an EAuto Research Institute report, pre-orders for the AITO M9 in the first half of 2024 were primarily from repeat customers, with the largest contribution coming from owners of high-end brands, especially BBA, underscoring the new business logic of "capturing BBA equals capturing the high-end auto market" with the AITO M9. 

Today, the affirmation of overseas luxury car owners once again confirms that the era of intelligent luxury cars has arrived. 

On one occasion, members of the AITO convoy intended to use the restroom but were approached by owners of Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Maybach, who expressed interest in experiencing the car. After their test drive, they marveled at its luxury, commenting that "the overall comfort is even better than my Mercedes-Benz S-Class." 

This is the underlying logic behind AITO's conquest of users: the double-edged sword of "traditional luxury" + "technological luxury." Rather than revolutionizing traditional luxury, AITO respects tradition, prioritizes quality and service, and then significantly enhances safety and convenience through intelligence, coupling smart headlights, intelligent voice assistants, and various seats in a "dreamlike symphony" that continually pushes towards the ultimate in technological luxury. 

Coincidentally, it is also the "technological luxury" core that supported AITO in navigating complex road conditions and successfully arriving in Paris. 

Firstly, safety is the ultimate luxury. Unlike in China, European roads are generally narrower, posing a particular challenge when entering and exiting garages. "It might be just wide enough to fit, and you might even have to fold in your side mirrors." In such situations, the AITO convoy often chooses to use LCC (Lane Centering Control) for driving, as the precise technology-enhanced LCC can even drive more steadily than a human driver. 

Simultaneously, AITO employs comprehensive safety features, including a super-strong body structure, multi-layer battery protection, and 20 active safety functions, significantly enhancing journey safety. 

Secondly, electrification is the cornerstone of the intelligent driving experience: During the lengthy journey of the Intelligent Driving to Europe, the issue of energy replenishment for new energy vehicles undoubtedly posed the biggest challenge, especially in areas with inadequate energy replenishment infrastructure. However, AITO vehicles equipped with Seres' Super Extended Range Technology not only offer the driving experience of an electric car but also break the shackles of charging, effectively addressing range anxiety and enabling carefree long-distance driving. 

Beyond safety and range, intelligent assistance features also breathe life into the journey: Over the approximately 15,000-kilometer trip, the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in AITO models handled over 63% of driving tasks, significantly reducing the burden of long-distance driving, turning the "Journey to Europe" into a delightful driving experience rather than a grueling one, an exhilarating expression of quality beyond mere transportation. 

Moreover, amidst the collision of different driving habits at home and abroad, AITO subtly reveals the humanitarian core of China's automakers. 

III. Humanity Knows No Borders: Different Driving Habits, Yet Shared "Road Warmth" 

How do overseas users' driving habits differ from those in China? 

For instance, in China, flashing your high beams twice on the highway at night is a way to remind large vehicles of your presence. Based on this habit, AITO's NCA (Navigate on Autopilot) system is designed to automatically flash lights and change lanes during lane changes. 

However, flashing lights twice has a different meaning overseas, and road sign recognition logic also differs. Therefore, the AITO team clearly understands that domestic products must adapt to local conditions when going abroad. 

It's worth noting that while driving habits may differ, users' need for "road warmth" remains the same. An online joke that resonated widely goes, "Accompanying each other on the highway is an unspoken understanding between strangers"—two cars driving together for hundreds of kilometers, with one suddenly signaling a right turn and flashing its lights to "bid farewell" to the other. In that moment, warmth floods the heart. 

The AITO team keenly captured these subtle user needs. For instance, in Central and West Asia, it's customary to flash your hazard lights after someone lets you merge, expressing gratitude. However, the AITO M9 can directly use its tail lights to "send a heart" from the central control knob. They understand that product definition and cutting-edge technology shouldn't be cool and impersonal but rather warm and human-centric. Thus, the design of the AITO M9's rear lights resonates overseas. 

This continues Seres' consistent humanitarian ethos: Compared to distributing online surveys, traveling far and wide to listen to face-to-face feedback often demonstrates more sincerity and garners more authentic voices. Zhang Xinghai, Chairman of Seres Group, frequently engages in face-to-face conversations with users to understand their real needs, crafting high-quality, high-experience new luxury automotive products and smart mobility solutions. 

Building upon this, AITO goes one step further, expressing its "humanitarian ethos" through a worldwide "fantastical drift": The 15,000-kilometer journey of "AITO Journey Across Mountains and Rivers: Intelligent Driving to Europe" is not just a showcase of quality and technology but also an opportunity for face-to-face exchanges with global users. Wherever the convoy goes, it engages in in-depth conversations with local market users, embodying AITO and Seres' commitment to serving users wholeheartedly. 

Simultaneously, it's also an opportunity to interact with partners. AITO maintains an open attitude, introducing like-minded partners globally to build long-term, stable ecological relationships, striving for mutual commercial success, and jointly crafting a world-class, user-satisfying new luxury automotive brand. 

During their European journey, the AITO team interacted with numerous local supply chain partners, including Bosch, Continental, Valeo, Pirelli, and STMicroelectronics, sharing the company and brand's development plans and addressing their queries. In return, the AITO team received their support, which will fully assist AITO in achieving localization. 

A combination of technology and warmth has enabled AITO to expand significantly in the market and earn a good reputation. Currently, the product strength of the AITO M9 has been recognized by the market and users, with data serving as the best evidence—nine months after its launch, the AITO M9 has surpassed 150,000 orders and delivered over 100,000 units, ranking third in sales among models priced above 500,000 yuan in China's luxury market, becoming the "preferred intelligent luxury SUV" among high-net-worth users. 

Today, as AITO goes global, challenging mountains and rivers with intelligence and measuring the world, China's intelligent driving is also breaking boundaries, "reaching everywhere," and conquering more overseas consumers.