SAIC Motor invests 1 billion yuan in Huawei-partnered Shangjie brand

SAIC Motor is increasing its investment in the Shangjie smart vehicle brand, a collaborative venture with Huawei under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) ecosystem. SAIC will inject an additional 1 billion yuan to upgrade the Jinqiao Shangjie dedicated factory with intelligent manufacturing technologies, aiming for an annual production capacity of 200,000 units.

The Shangjie brand has reported cumulative sales of over 50,000 vehicles between January and August 2026. Its current lineup includes the H5 and Z7 series, targeting the 150,000 to 300,000 yuan market segment. A new mid-to-large size family SUV featuring Huawei’s latest smart driving solutions is expected to launch in the autumn of 2026.

Separately, Seres Group is transitioning its AITO brand to an exclusive dealership model. This strategic shift aims to enhance brand differentiation and provide a premium service experience as the Chinese electric vehicle market shifts from first-time buyers to a replacement market. Industry data suggests that brand loyalty is declining in the replacement era, making specialized high-end retail channels critical for long-term customer retention.