Chinese automaker Seres Group is preparing to launch a new automotive brand through a joint venture with ByteDance’s cloud and artificial intelligence unit Volcengine, according to local media Lanjinger reports.
The new business, named Chongqing Saidou Technology Co Ltd, is expected to be officially unveiled on June 9, including the launch of its brand identity and logo.
New Venture Receives Major Funding
The company was formerly known as Landian Technology, a subsidiary of Seres, before undergoing a significant ownership restructuring.
Following a recent capital increase, Saidou raised approximately RMB 6.67 billion ($985 million), attracting investment from several strategic partners.
Chongqing state-owned investment firm Shaci Zhiyuan emerged as the largest shareholder with an estimated 34.5% stake, while Seres’ ownership was reduced to about 32.9%.
The restructuring means Saidou will no longer be consolidated into Seres Group’s financial statements.
Battery manufacturer CATL also participated in the financing round, acquiring a stake of approximately 9.9%.
First Vehicle Expected This Year
According to the report, Saidou’s first production model is expected to be launched later in 2026.
The vehicle is expected to combine SUV and sedan design elements and may be offered with both battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain options.
Production is reportedly planned at Seres’ Phoenix manufacturing facility, where production line upgrades are currently underway.
Volcengine to Provide AI Capabilities
The new brand is expected to integrate artificial intelligence technologies from Volcengine, ByteDance’s enterprise technology platform.
Volcengine is anticipated to play a key role in developing intelligent cockpit functions, including large language model-powered vehicle interaction systems designed to enhance the user experience.
The collaboration reflects a broader trend among Chinese automakers to incorporate generative AI and advanced software capabilities into next-generation vehicles.
DeepRoute Linked to Smart Driving System
The report also indicated that Shenzhen-based autonomous driving startup DeepRoute is expected to provide the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technology for the new brand.
If confirmed, the decision would mean the vehicles will not use Huawei’s Qiankun intelligent driving platform, which powers the Aito brand developed jointly by Seres and Huawei.
DeepRoute has established partnerships with several automakers and says its urban Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) technology has been deployed in approximately 300,000 vehicles.
The company has also expanded its artificial intelligence capabilities, recently appointing former DeepSeek research executive Ruan Chong as chief scientist.
Diversifying Beyond Aito
The launch of Saidou is expected to support Seres’ efforts to broaden its business portfolio beyond its successful Aito brand partnership with Huawei.
Aito has become one of China’s most prominent smart vehicle brands, but the creation of a separate brand could provide Seres with additional growth opportunities and greater strategic flexibility.
By combining automotive manufacturing expertise, battery technology, artificial intelligence capabilities and autonomous driving solutions, Saidou is positioned to compete in China’s increasingly technology-focused new energy vehicle market.
