Farsight, October 12 – According to a report from Cailian Press, AITO Auto is gearing up to make its foray into the European market by 2027, with the EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) process now in full swing. AITO is also set to display four SUV models—AITO 6, AITO 7, AITO 8, and AITO 9—at the 2026 Paris Auto Show.

Earlier, Seres had announced its plans to accelerate the global rollout of AITO models while concurrently establishing a global marketing and service network. On September 23, Shen Wei, Vice President and Board Secretary of Seres, emphasized during an investor event that AITO remains steadfast in its high-end overseas expansion strategy, with a current emphasis on product adaptation and certification in line with target market standards. The timeline for entering the European market offers a clearer roadmap for this strategic endeavor.

As AITO's overseas expansion plan progresses, the division of responsibilities between AITO and Huawei is also undergoing adjustments. On September 15, Harmony Intelligent Mobility and AITO unveiled a new cooperation model under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility framework: Seres will take the lead in product definition, design, brand marketing, channel retail, and service systems, with support from Huawei's consumer business division. This restructuring will not affect existing user benefits or subsequent services.

Subsequently, on September 30, the two parties signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shenzhen to elevate the AITO business. This agreement marks the beginning of a new five-year collaboration and the establishment of a dedicated AITO business team to drive exclusive operations. While Seres will shoulder greater brand management responsibilities, AITO will remain an integral part of the Harmony Intelligent Mobility ecosystem, with the collaboration continuing unabated.

The sales pressure faced by the company has added practical significance to its overseas expansion strategy. According to Seres' September production and sales report, the company sold 25,400 vehicles that month, representing a year-on-year decline of 38.50%. Cumulative sales for the year-to-date stood at 227,300 vehicles, marking a cumulative year-on-year decrease of 17.72%.

Against the backdrop of declining sales and operational control adjustments, expanding into the European market is expected to provide AITO with additional sales avenues beyond the domestic market.

For AITO, whether Europe can emerge as a new growth space hinges on the effective implementation of product adaptation, local channel development, and after-sales service following certification completion. The unveiling at the Paris Auto Show and the commencement of the certification process are merely initial steps. Overseas orders and actual delivery volumes will serve as subsequent indicators to gauge whether this strategic endeavor can fuel growth.