Chinese automotive manufacturer Seres has officially launched its Huawei-backed Aito electric vehicle brand in the Middle East through a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Performance Plus Motors. This collaboration, confirmed on February 6, 2026, marks Aito’s initial step into international markets beyond China.
Performance Plus Motors, a division of Abu Dhabi Motors, is set to oversee the sales, delivery, and after-sales service for Aito’s luxury intelligent vehicle lineup in the United Arab Emirates. This partnership allows Aito immediate access to established luxury retail networks in the region. Commercial launches and test drive events are projected for March 2026, with Aito vehicles having already arrived in Dubai, where the flagship Aito 9 SUV will be showcased.
The brand presented its global offerings at the Munich car show in September 2025. Jason Wang, president of Seres’ overseas business unit, described this partnership as a significant milestone in Aito’s globalization efforts. Plans are in place for a broader presence across the Middle East to facilitate expansion into surrounding regions.
Aito has emerged as the primary and most successful brand under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance since its launch in December 2021, resulting from a collaboration between Seres and Huawei. Notably, in July 2024, Seres acquired the Aito trademark and over 900 related patents from Huawei for $340 million, which did not hinder their ongoing partnership. Huawei continues to offer technological support for Aito vehicles.
The UAE market indicates a rising trend in electric vehicle adoption, evidenced by a 41% year-on-year increase in used electric vehicle listings in 2025, according to the Annual Pre-Owned Electric Car Market Report released by dubizzle. This past year, Aito sales reached 420,000 units, significantly contributing to Seres’ total electric vehicle sales of 472,269. The company experienced a 10.6% growth in electric vehicle sales during that time.
Seres began exporting under its own brand in 2023 and had exported a total of 1,615 vehicles by November 2025, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. This expansion into the Middle East aligns with Seres’ ambitious goal of selling one million electric vehicles by 2026, supported through its collaboration with Huawei, which also aims for deeper integration of artificial intelligence and advanced driving systems in their vehicles.