The question is, AITO Series whose brandIt has become one of the most talked about in the automotive community over the past year. At first glance, it’s another Chinese brand trying to take over the market, but behind that name lies the tech giant’s unique history of partnership. Huawei and automobile manufacturer Seres. Many drivers mistakenly believe that cars are made exclusively in Huawei factories, a common misconception.
Actually, AITO Adding Intelligence to Auto is the result of deep integration of software and ecosystems. Huawei in the body and chassis, designed by engineers Seres. It is this symbiosis that has created a competitor for Tesla and traditional luxury brands, offering customers not just a means of transportation, but a gadget on wheels with advanced autonomous driving systems.
Understanding the brand ownership structure is critical for those considering buying such a car, especially in parallel import environments. Possession intellectual property The company has separate production facilities, which affects the maintenance and availability of software updates in different regions of the world.
The history of the alliance Huawei and Seres
The history of the brand did not begin with desire. Seres (formerly known as SF Motors) just launch a new electric car, but with an ambitious strategy. Huawei We want to build our own automotive ecosystem without building giant factories. Chinese tech giant has chosen a model Huawei Insidewhere it supplies the car's "brains," including the operating system HarmonyOS And chips, while the partner is responsible for the hardware and the assembly.
The first fruit of this collaboration was the model. AITO M5It debuted with a revolutionary development speed for the Chinese automotive industry. Engineers have managed to combine experience Seres Creating platforms for electric vehicles with advanced developments Huawei in the field of telecommunications and artificial intelligence. This shortened the cycle from concept to production to a record 18 months.
It is important to note that AITO brand It is not a sub-brand of Huawei in the classical sense, as, for example, Xiaomi’s Redmi. It is a joint venture where the trademark and production lines are owned by the company. SeresTechnology and distribution through branded stores – area of responsibility Huawei. This division of roles allowed for rapid scaling using the existing electronics retail network.
- 🚀 Speed of development: The partnership has reduced the time to market by half compared to traditional automakers.
- 🧠 Technology core: All models of the series use the HarmonyOS operating system, which provides seamless integration with smartphones.
- 🏭 Production base: Assembly is carried out at modernized Seres plants in Chongqing, China.
- 📱 Ecosystem: The car is seen as an extension of the smartphone, not as a standalone device.
The success of the collaboration is confirmed by sales: in just 15 months since the launch, the brand has surpassed the mark of 100,000 cars sold. This is an unprecedented result for a new player in the oversaturated electric vehicle market. The key factor was the trust of consumers in the name. HuaweiIt is associated with high quality and innovation.
Model range: M5, M7 and flagship M9
At the moment, the lineup AITO Series It is represented by three main models, each of which occupies its own niche. Opens the crossover range AITO M5It is positioned as a sports and technological car for a young audience. It is available in both the all-electric (EV) version and the EREV variant, where the gasoline engine operates solely as a generator.
More than that AITO M7 It is aimed at a family audience and offers a spacious six-seater cabin with a layout of 2 + 2 + 2. This model became the bestseller of the brand, overtaking sales of many popular models of competitors, including Li Auto and Ideal. The main thing. M7 It became an active safety system and autopilot, which are considered to be among the best in the Indies.
oysters.The pinnacle of engineering thought was the flagship AITO M9submitted at the end of 2023. It is a full-size luxury crossover, rich in technology, including projection on the windshield to the entire width of the cabin and a new generation of LiDAR laser scanning system. Model M9 It competes directly with the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7, while offering more advanced digital services.
| Model | Body type | Engine. | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| AITO M5 | Mid-size crossover | EV / EREV | Sports dynamics, acceleration to 100 km / h in 4 seconds |
| AITO M7 | A big crossover. | EREV | Family comfort "zero gravity" seat |
| AITO M9 | Full-size SUV | EV / EREV | 32-inch projection screen, 3 laser radars |
| AITO M5 EV | Mid-size crossover | Clean train. | Range up to 600+ km on the CLTC cycle |
What is the difference between EREV and conventional hybrid?
Unlike classic hybrids (HEVs) or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), where the internal combustion engine can directly rotate the wheels, in an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) system, the ICE serves only as a generator. It charges the battery that powers the electric motors. This allows the engine to always operate in optimal mode, providing high efficiency and low fuel consumption, and the driver always feels the characteristics of the electric car.
When choosing a model, it is worth considering that all versions, even with a gasoline generator, are primarily used in the form of a gasoline engine. electric-car. The internal combustion engine in the EREV versions is connected only to the generator and has no mechanical connection to the wheels, which provides smoothness characteristic of electric cars, but eliminates "range anxiety" on long trips.
Huawei technology inside the car
The main argument in favor of buying AITO It's software. The basis of the interface is the system HarmonyOSIt provides instant screen response and deep integration with Huawei mobile devices. The driver can start navigation or conversation on a smartphone and seamlessly continue them on the vehicle’s onboard computer without losing data. Interface. It works so smoothly that many people compare it to an iPad installed in a car.
The audio system deserves special attention. HUAWEI SOUND. Unlike competitors who buy off-the-shelf solutions from Bose or Harman Kardon, Huawei has developed its own sound architecture. V AITO M9For example, a 25-speaker system with 7.1.4 channels and spatial audio technology is installed, creating a concert hall effect. The quality of the reproduction is controlled by artificial intelligence algorithms in real time.
⚠️ Attention: For full-fledged work of all multimedia functions, including voice assent and application integration, it is highly desirable to use a Huawei smartphone. With Android or iOS devices, the bundle works in basic mode (Bluetooth, mirroring), but the deep ecosystem is available only to owners of Huawei equipment.
Another key technology is autonomous driving. HUAWEI ADS 2.0 (Advanced Driving System) It does not depend on high-precision maps (HD Maps), relying on sensors and neural networks. This allows the car to operate effectively in difficult urban traffic, recognizing pedestrians, cyclists and even animals in the dark. The system uses a combination of cameras, millimeter radars and lidars to build a 3D model of the surrounding space.
☑️ Testing technology before buying
It is important to understand that autopilot AITO is not just a set of cruise controls, but a full-fledged system that can independently rebuild, pass complex interchanges and park without the driver. However, despite the high level of development, it requires constant monitoring by humans, as the legislation of most countries does not yet allow completely deserted driving.
Engines and power plants: EREV vs EV
Engine lineup AITO The system is built around two concepts: pure electric (EV) and hybrid with increased range (EREV). In purely electric versions, Huawei DriveONE advanced electric motors are used, which are characterized by high power density and compact dimensions. They allow you to achieve impressive dynamics: acceleration to 100 km / h in the top versions takes less than 4 seconds.
Options with range extender (increased range) are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine. As mentioned, this engine does not turn the wheels. Its task is to turn on only when the battery charge drops below a certain level, and operate in the most efficient rev range for electricity generation. Fuel consumption in this mode is about 6-8 liters per 100 km, which is an excellent indicator for a heavy crossover.
Batteries for all models are supplied by leading Chinese manufacturers, such as: CATL. Depending on the configuration, the battery capacity can vary from 40 kWh to 100 kWh. This provides a range of 150 to 280 kilometers on the CLTC cycle (electricity only), which covers the needs of most urban residents.
- ⚡ Efficiency: The generator engine has an efficiency of more than 41%, which is one of the best indicators in the industry.
- 🔋 Charging: Support for fast direct current charging allows you to replenish the energy reserve from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes.
- 🛣️ Autonomy: Combined range (fuel + battery) reaches 1000+ kilometers.
- ❄️ Thermal management: The battery’s intelligent temperature management system maintains efficiency even in severe frosts.
When operating EREV versions in the city, try to keep the battery charge above 20% so that the internal combustion engine is turned on as rarely as possible. This will reduce fuel consumption and noise levels in the cabin.
The choice between EV and EREV depends on your operating conditions. If you have the option of installing a charging station at home and rarely travel more than 500 km without recharging, a clean electric car will be more economical. If you often drive on the track or do not have access to charging, the version with a power reserve increase will be a more practical and versatile solution that eliminates "range anxiety".
Safety and driver assistance systems
Security in AITO Series The ratings are high in China’s C-NCAP tests. The body of the car is made using high-strength steels of hot stamping, which make up a significant part of the power structure. This provides stiffness to twist and protect passengers in side impacts. Passive safety system includes many pillows, including the central one, preventing collision of the driver and passenger heads.
However, the main trump card is active security, implemented through the complex. HUAWEI ADS. The system uses data from a lidar (laser radar) mounted on the roof, which is able to "see" objects at a distance of up to 200 meters. This allows the car to detect obstacles in advance, even if they are poorly lit or have low contrast (such as a black car at night or a person in dark clothing).
⚠️ Attention: Despite advanced collision prevention systems (AEBs), you should not rely on them completely. The system may not respond to sudden rearrangements of other cars or unusual road situations. Always keep your hands on the wheel and control the traffic.
One of the unique features is automatic parking. The car is able to remember the route to the parking space (for example, in the garage of your home) and drive it yourself while the driver is inside or, in some scenarios, controls the process from a smartphone. The system recognizes open and closed parking spaces, and can also park in narrow places where the driver could not get there on his own.
HUAWEI ADS 2.0 uses GOD (General Obstacle Detection) algorithms, which allows the machine to respond to any obstacles, even those it cannot classify (such as a fallen tree or an inverted trolley), simply by seeing them as solid.
The car is also equipped with a driver monitoring system. The camera, aimed at the cabin, tracks the direction of view, the frequency of blinking and the position of the head. If the Detects system shows signs of fatigue or distraction (such as using a phone), it will give audible signals and vibration to the steering wheel, and in critical situations may even turn on the alarm.
Brand prospects in the global market
The question of expansion AITO It's a bit of a splash outside of China. At the moment, the brand is focusing on the domestic market, where competition is highest, but the success of the model is the highest. M7 and M9 It attracts the attention of international dealers. Official deliveries to the CIS countries, including Russia, have already begun through parallel import channels and official distributors, which makes the issue of "AITO Series whose brand" especially relevant for domestic buyers.
The main challenge for global expansion is software. Interface. HarmonyOS The Chinese market is designed for navigation, voice assistant and multimedia services (music, video) work with Chinese servers by default. For a European or Russian user, you will need to adapt, install third-party applications or use the mirroring functions of a smartphone, which somewhat negates the advantages of a smart car.
Nevertheless, technical base AITO cars are not inferior, and often surpasses competitors from Europe and Korea. The quality of the assembly, cabin materials and the level of noise insulation are at a premium level. If engineers and programmers manage to adapt software to local markets, the brand has every chance to become a serious player in the segment of premium electric vehicles.
The future of the brand is also associated with the expansion of the model range. There are rumors about the preparation of a sports coupe crossover and a more affordable compact SUV, which will allow you to reach an even larger audience. Strategy Huawei The alliance-building effort (including Luxeed, Stelato, and others) shows that AITO is just the beginning of a big transformation in the automotive industry, where software is becoming more important than hardware.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is AITO the official brand of Huawei?
No, AITO is a brand of Seres. The cars are being built as part of a deep partnership with Huawei, which supplies engines, electrical components, HarmonyOS software and autopilot systems. They are often sold in Huawei stores.
Does AITO’s voice assistant work in Russian?
At the moment, the main localization of the interface and voice control is sharpened for Chinese and English. Full support for the Russian language and integration with Yandex.Navigator or other local services requires additional settings or waiting for official updates for specific markets.
What is the real range of the AITO M5 EREV?
In a real mixed cycle (city + track) with a working generator, the power reserve is about 800-900 km. In pure electric mode (on battery charge), the car can travel from 150 to 200 km depending on the air temperature and driving style.
Can AITO be charged at conventional charging stations in Europe or Russia?
Yes, AITO cars are equipped with a standard port CCS2 (in export versions) or GB/T (in Chinese, an adapter is required). They support fast DC charging and slow AC charging, compatible with most public charging stations.
Why is the AITO M9 more expensive than the M7?
The AITO M9 is a flagship full-size SUV that is larger, more luxurious and more technologically rich. It features three laser radars (against one of the M7), a projection screen over the entire windshield, a more powerful audio system and premium interior trim materials, justifying the higher price.