Farsight, September 22 – Kang Bo, Director and Vice President of Seres Group, shared a video featuring an interview with Seres Group Chairman Zhang Xinghai on CCTV Finance's 'Micro Dialogue.' In response to rumors circulating about a potential 'split' between Huawei and Seres following adjustments to the AITO cooperation framework, Zhang Xinghai clarified, "There is no split; we have always been united and will remain so in the future."

Zhang Xinghai elaborated that the cooperation model between Seres and Huawei has undergone an upgrade, with the primary focus on 'exclusive operations.' He emphasized that leading and luxury brands necessitate exclusive operations, and AITO will persist in driving enhancements in both brand and service quality.

This statement comes in light of recent modifications to the cooperation model between AITO and the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). On September 15, HIMA announced that, with immediate effect, AITO will embark on a new cooperation model within the HIMA framework. Under this new arrangement, Seres will take the lead in product definition, design, brand marketing, channel retail, and service systems, with support from Huawei Terminal. All existing rights and subsequent services for AITO users will remain unchanged.

HIMA underscored that this adjustment pertains solely to AITO and does not impact other brands under the HIMA umbrella, with Luxeed, Stelato, Smart, and Uxstream continuing to adhere to Huawei's full-process-led cooperation model.

With the leadership in product, marketing, channels, and services for AITO transitioning to Seres, speculation has arisen externally regarding a potential weakening or even 'split' in the cooperation between Huawei and Seres.

From the interview, it is evident that Zhang Xinghai refutes the notion of a termination in cooperation between the two entities, instead highlighting a shift in the division of labor. AITO remains within the HIMA system, and Huawei continues to offer support, albeit with Seres assuming greater responsibility for brand management and user services. Following the implementation of exclusive operations, AITO's channel display, sales organization, and service system will place increased emphasis on brand independence.

The cooperative relationship endures, albeit with altered responsibilities for both parties. For Seres, an expanded leadership role signifies a more comprehensive operational scope for the AITO brand, as well as directly confronting challenges in channel transition, service continuity, and operational efficiency. Zhang Xinghai's remarks have reassured stakeholders of the ongoing cooperation between the two parties. Looking ahead, it will be crucial to observe how exclusive operations are executed and whether user experience remains consistent during the transition period.