Aito (stylized as AITO), made its European market debut, by driving its vehicles—the Aito 5, Aito 7, and flagship Aito 9, through a 15,000-kilometer 12-country transcontinental journey spanning 38 days before arriving in Paris for the 90th Paris Motor Show.
Meaning “Adding Intelligence to Auto,” it is the premium New Energy Vehicle brand of the Seres Group. Currently sold as Seres in international markets, including the Philippines, the arrival of Aito to Europe realigns the auto group’s product strategy to match that of their Chinese domestic market operations.
The journey of the Aito vehicle convoy from its super factory in Chongqing to Paris highlights the technological advancements of its products while also cementing their intention to under the ultra-competitive European market by the first half of 2025. Aito will also be launched exclusively under QSJ Motor Phils., Inc., the veteran auto group that also handles the Seres, Bestune, and DFSK brands.
Passing through regions with limited charging infrastructure, Aito relied on its range extended EV (REEV) powertrain—a standard feature found in the Aito 5, Aito 7, and Aito 9 to address the issue of range anxiety. The REEV is a pillar of Seres’ technologies since 2019 and has been continuously improved since. The fourth-generation REEV of the Aito 9 is its latest, combining a 52-kWh lithium-ion battery with a turbocharged 1.5-liter generator. Fully charged and with a full tank of gas, it can go up to 1,239 kilometers based on WLTC testing. The driving experience is purely electric because the gas engine does not drive the wheels.
The Aito line-up uses the versatile Aito MF Platform. The highly adaptable platform incorporates four key characteristics: Intelligent Safety, Diverse Powertrain, Adaptable Cabin Space, and Leading Intelligence. The platform supports multiple power options, including not just REEV but BEV as well.
More than just a validation of its powertrain, the Eurasian Tour also highlighted the advancements that Aito has brought to the table. For example, 63 percent of the entire journey—some 8,800 kilometers—was done using autonomous self-drive. Equipped with several LIDAR, radar, and high-definition cameras, Aito vehicles are capable of Level 3 (attention-free) intelligent driving. Outside of driving, these sensors work to provide features such as full self-park and vehicle summon.
The Aito 9 will become the brand’s debut model in Europe as well as the Philippines. The full-size 5.2-meter-long six-seater SUV is currently, recognized as the third best-selling vehicle in its category just behind the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q8 with over 140,000 orders and 100,000 deliveries within nine months.
Known currently as the Seres 7, the Aito 7 is a three-row SUV that is highly adaptable to any family or travel scenario. Highly praised for its comfort during the Eurasian Tour, it comes with feature such as zero gravity seats with built-in massagers and adaptive, electronically-controlled dampers. It is also built using submarine-grade hot-stamped steel making it one of the safest vehicles in the market. Finally, the Aito 5 (currently the Seres 5), is a mid-sized sporty SUV built on a full aluminum alloy chassis. With independent suspension across both axles, it offers impressive performance.
Positioned as a high-end intelligent New Energy Vehicle brand, Aito is upending traditional luxury concepts by pivoting towards technology as its key driver differentiator. As such, they aim to provide a leading intelligent mobility experience to its customers.
QSJ Motor Phils., Inc. will be displaying at the 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit at the SMX Convention Center in MOA Complex in Pasay City from Thursday, October 24 to Saturday, October 26.
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