On February 6, China-based high-end automotive brand Aito signed a cooperation agreement with Abu Dhabi Motors (ADM), a premium car dealership group in the UAE, in Chongqing, China. Jason Wang, president of overseas business at Seres, and Syed Faiz Karim, CEO of ADM, signed the agreement on behalf of their companies. Leon He, president of Seres, and Kelvin Zhao, chief representative of ADM China, attended as witnesses. Seres owns the Aito brand.
The agreement marks Aito’s entry into the UAE and forms part of its broader international expansion strategy in the premium new energy vehicle segment.
Founded more than 40 years ago, ADM has established a presence in the Middle East’s luxury car market. It operates an extensive distribution network and serves high-net-worth clients across the region. The company said its customer-focused approach and operating model have contributed to its position in the local market.
Aito positions itself as a premium brand focused on integrating advanced technology into its vehicles. The company said it reached one million cumulative vehicle production units within 46 months. It also reported that its flagship model, the Aito M9, has led sales in China’s RMB 500,000 (USD 70,000) and above segment for 21 consecutive months.
Through the partnership, the two companies plan to collaborate on sales, distribution, and brand development in the UAE. They said the cooperation is intended to strengthen their respective positions in the premium car segment and to explore demand in the Middle East.
Under the agreement, ADM will oversee sales, delivery, and after-sales services for Aito’s high-end car models in the UAE. It plans to establish brand experience centers and service facilities aligned with Aito’s market positioning.
ADM will also develop localized marketing and brand communication strategies tailored to the UAE market. The companies said they will cooperate on customer service, market intelligence sharing, and resource coordination to support long-term development. The two companies will also collaborate in areas including customer services, market intelligence, and resource coordination as part of a longer-term partnership framework.
Wang said the partnership represents a milestone in Aito’s globalization strategy and a starting point for expansion in the Middle East’s high-end new energy vehicle market. He said ADM’s local market experience and network will support Aito’s localization efforts.
According to Karim, Aito’s technology, product quality, and brand positioning align with demand in the Middle East’s premium segment and with ADM’s focus on customer experience. He said ADM will leverage its distribution network and operational capabilities to support Aito’s development in the UAE and to explore opportunities in the premium new energy vehicle market.
Aito said its models have completed software and hardware localization and secured the required local certifications. Test drives for the Aito M9 have begun in the UAE, which the company described as part of its efforts to engage local consumers. Vehicles have arrived at the Port of Dubai and will be available for delivery following the official launch.
ADM’s existing infrastructure is expected to support Aito’s launch, delivery operations, and longer-term presence in the UAE. Aito said it plans to expand further in the Middle East and use the UAE as a base for entry into neighboring markets as it builds its international footprint.
KrASIA features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by 36Kr Brand.