6Pre-AdvancedBusinessBusiness

Huawei-Backed Aito Kicks Off Exports With UAE Partnership

Chinese automaker Seres has signed a strategic deal to bring its Huawei-backed Aito electric vehicles to the Middle East. This landmark partnership with an Abu Dhabi dealer group signals a major shift from domestic dominance to international expansion.

2 min readLevel 6February 9, 2026

By Flalingo Editorial Team

Vocabulary

Study these words before reading the article. Click the audio button to hear pronunciation.

subsidiary

/səbˈsɪdiəri/

noun

A company that is owned or controlled by a larger parent company

“Performance Plus Motors operates as a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Motors.”

foothold

/ˈfʊthoʊld/

noun

A secure starting position from which further progress can be made in a new area or market

“The partnership gave the company its first foothold in the competitive European market.”

flagship

/ˈflæɡʃɪp/

adjective

The most important or leading product, service, or brand within a company's range

“The flagship SUV model attracted significant attention at the international auto show.”

facilitate

/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/

verb

To make a process or action easier or more likely to happen

“The new trade agreement will facilitate exports between the two countries.”

leverage

/ˈlevərɪdʒ/

verb

To use something that you already have in order to gain a strategic advantage

“The startup decided to leverage its technology expertise to enter new markets.”

milestone

/ˈmaɪlstoʊn/

noun

An important event or achievement that marks a stage of progress in a project or development

“Reaching one million users was a major milestone for the young technology company.”

Article

Click on any underlined word to see its definition. Highlighted words are from the vocabulary section.

Chinese automaker Seres has announced a significant partnership for its electric vehicle brand, Aito. The company signed a deal with Performance Plus Motors, an Abu Dhabi-based dealer group. This strategic collaboration is designed to facilitate Aito's entry into the Middle East market. Aito, which had previously been sold only in China, is now pursuing global expansion. The brand had already presented its global lineup at the Munich car show in September.

Aito is the first and most successful brand under Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance. The UAE tie-up will provide its first export foothold in an overseas market. Performance Plus Motors, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Motors, will oversee sales and after-sales service. The flagship Aito 9 SUV has already begun test drives in the UAE. Furthermore, Aito vehicles have arrived at Dubai port, ready for delivery upon official launch.

Jason Wang, president of Seres' overseas business unit, described the collaboration as a milestone. He stated that this partnership represents a crucial step in Aito's globalization strategy. Seres has also outlined plans for a broader Middle Eastern presence beyond the UAE. Had the brand not achieved domestic success first, this expansion would not have been feasible. Aito sales topped 420,000 vehicles in 2025, making it the main contributor to Seres.

The UAE expansion comes as Chinese EV makers face rising trade barriers in Europe and America. The Middle East, with its luxury-oriented consumer base, has become an attractive growth market. Abu Dhabi Motors brings 40 years of industry experience and a strong high-net-worth customer base. By leveraging this established infrastructure, Aito can bypass the heavy costs of building standalone dealerships. This strategic approach could reshape competition in the region's premium electric vehicle segment.

Comprehension Quiz

Test your understanding of the article with these multiple-choice questions.

1
Which company signed a partnership deal with Performance Plus Motors?
2
Where is Performance Plus Motors based?
3
How many Aito vehicles were sold in 2025?
4
What is the name of Aito's flagship SUV model?
5
Why is the Middle East considered an attractive market for Aito?

Discussion

Answer these comprehension questions about the article.

1
What is the primary objective of the partnership between Aito and Performance Plus Motors?
2
Why has the UAE been chosen as Aito's first export market, and what advantages does it offer?
3
How does Aito's connection to Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance strengthen its market position?
4
What role will Performance Plus Motors play in Aito's operations within the UAE?
5
How did Aito's domestic sales performance in 2025 support its decision to expand internationally?

Further Discussion

Share your opinions on these open-ended questions.

1
If you were advising a technology company on entering a new foreign market, would you recommend a local dealer partnership or building your own network? Why?
2
What risks might a Chinese electric vehicle brand face when competing with established luxury brands in the Middle East?
3
How important is after-sales service in building a successful automotive brand in a new market?
4
Do you think the Middle East will become one of the world's leading markets for electric vehicles? What factors support your view?
5
If you were an investor evaluating Aito's global expansion, what key performance indicators would you monitor in the first year?