According to Gasgoo, AITO issued a statement on September 15 clarifying its cooperation model under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility (HIMA) framework. The statement confirms that AITO remains a core member of HIMA and outlines a new division of responsibilities: Seres will lead product definition, product design, brand marketing, channel retail, and service systems, while Huawei Terminal will participate in empowerment. This marks a formalization of roles that had been evolving since the brand's inception.
The announcement follows months of speculation about AITO's position within the broader HIMA ecosystem, which also includes other Huawei-backed EV brands. AITO emphasized that the brand is the result of joint design and development by Huawei and Seres, with contributions from both teams and industry partners. The statement reaffirms the collaborative nature of the venture, describing it as a significant achievement in cross-industry integration and industrial upgrading.
User rights and service continuity
Addressing customer concerns, AITO assured that all existing user rights and subsequent services will remain unaffected by the cooperation model adjustment. This is intended to stabilize market expectations and reassure the brand's growing customer base. The statement did not disclose specific timelines, operational details, or any capital or equity arrangements related to the new model.
The clarification comes as AITO continues to position itself in the premium smart EV segment. The brand, known for models like the M5 and M7, has been a key player in China's new energy vehicle market, leveraging Huawei's technology and Seres' manufacturing capabilities. The new cooperation model is expected to streamline decision-making and enhance efficiency, though the practical implications for product development and sales remain to be seen.
Future outlook
Seres and Huawei have committed to continuing their partnership, with AITO maintaining its exclusive brand positioning and focusing on delivering high-end intelligent EVs and comprehensive lifecycle ownership experiences. The statement underscores that AITO will continue to operate within the HIMA framework, ensuring alignment with the broader ecosystem's goals.
Industry observers will be watching how this division of responsibilities translates into tangible outcomes, particularly in terms of product innovation and market performance. For now, the clarification provides clarity for consumers and partners alike, reinforcing AITO's commitment to its existing user base while charting a path forward under the new cooperation structure.
