Chinese brand Aito surpasses BMW and Mercedes in sales
Western automakers are losing ground in the Chinese market, where local brands are rapidly gaining momentum. Aito, which appeared only in 2021, has already surpassed BMW and Mercedes-Benz in sales volume.
The Aito brand is a joint project of Seres Group, which previously produced budget minivans, and Huawei. Despite lacking experience in premium car manufacturing, Aito quickly became a market leader. Over three years, Seres Group’s sales tripled, reaching 427 thousand vehicles.
Success of the M9 model
The best-selling model in the luxury segment (cars priced over $69 thousand) is the M9 SUV, which competes with the BMW X5. This model features three screens in the cabin and a choice between electric and hybrid powertrains.
“Aito sold 151 thousand luxury vehicles, while BMW sold 145 thousand and Mercedes only 127 thousand”
In 2025, Aito plans to expand its lineup by introducing a more compact version of the M9 — the M8 model. However, the brand will have to compete not only with declining demand for premium cars but also with fierce price competition in the market.
Despite the challenges, Aito’s success reflects a shift in priorities among Chinese buyers, who are increasingly choosing local brands over traditional European manufacturers. This trend may intensify as Chinese companies continue to improve the technology and design of their vehicles.