Clifford Kang, board member and vice president of Seres Group, outlined Aito’s plans to enter the European market. Credit: Aito
- Aito showcased 4 SUVs — the Aito 9, Aito 8, Aito 7 and Aito 6 — at the 2026 Paris Motor Show.
- The brand is advancing certification, localization and service network development.
Aito, jointly developed by Huawei and Seres (HKEX: 9927), confirmed it will enter the European market in the fall of 2027, expanding its overseas presence.
The brand announced the timetable on Monday, at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, where it displayed 4 SUVs: the Aito 9, Aito 8, Aito 7 and Aito 6.
The announcement confirmed a European expansion plan reported earlier today by Chinese media outlet Cailian and narrowed the launch timing to the fall of 2027.
Aito has yet to announce its initial European markets, launch models or pricing, or confirm whether all 4 SUVs on display will go on sale locally. The models correspond to the Aito M9, Aito M8, Aito M7 and Aito M6 in China, respectively.
The brand said it is developing its products around EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) requirements and targeting a 5-star Euro NCAP rating under the 2026 standards.
Aito did not disclose when certification would be completed. The safety rating remains a target rather than a test result already achieved.
Ahead of its European entry, Aito is adapting its vehicles to local road conditions, driving preferences and lifestyles, while working with partners to tailor driver assistance and parking assistance functions.
The brand is also developing a local service network covering intelligent diagnostics, mobility services, local spare parts supply and dedicated customer service teams to support owners after launch.
Before announcing its European plans, Aito had already been expanding in the Middle East. In February, the brand signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Performance Plus Motors, a subsidiary of UAE dealer Abu Dhabi Motors.
Under the arrangements announced at the time, Performance Plus Motors would handle sales, deliveries and after-sales services for Aito vehicles in the UAE, with plans to establish brand experience and service centers.
Aito said at the time that its flagship Aito 9 had begun test drives for local customers in the UAE.
The European expansion also comes as Huawei and Seres deepen their cooperation. The companies signed a new 5-year agreement on September 30 and announced plans on October 1 to jointly establish a dedicated team for the Aito business.
Previously, the companies announced on September 15 that Seres would take the lead in Aito’s product, marketing, retail and service operations, with support from Huawei. The brand would remain within the Huawei-led Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA).
The new 5-year cooperation announcement confirmed plans for the joint dedicated team but did not clarify whether the previously announced division of operational responsibilities had changed.
Aito’s flagship model Aito 9 — known as the Aito M9 in China — has launched local test drives in the UAE.
