China’s high-end smart car brand aims to foster dialogue and cultural exchanges

AITO, a Chinese high-end new energy vehicle brand, aims to use automobiles as a medium for fostering in-depth dialogue and cultural exchanges with users from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to company executives.

The smart car brand, developed by SERES, on August 4 launched the ASEAN Tour With AITO in Chongqing, Southwest China, which is the birthplace of the brand. The tour will span five countries before finally reaching Jakarta, Indonesia at the end of the month.

The tour serves not only as a boost for “Chongqing cars going global” as they enter the fast lane, but also an important effort in support of the Belt and Road Initiative, according to the company.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. The tour, with Jakarta as its final destination, actively responded to the call to strengthen cooperation in green economy, connectivity, and supply chains between the two countries, while radiating to the entire ASEAN market with Indonesia as the hub.

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The launch ceremony of tour was attended by Djauhari Oratmangun, the Indonesian ambassador to China; Garibaldi Thohir, chairman of the China Committee of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Leon He, president of SERES Automobile; Chongqing government officials as well as other distinguished guests.

He, president of SERES Automobile, said that the campaign bears strategic significance for the company’s expansion into ASEAN markets. SERES, as the parent company of AITO, is a technology enterprise focusing on the new energy vehicle industry, which is based on “intelligent manufacturing”.

The company is actively expanding its overseas markets and accelerating its global layout. It has established a sales network in multiple regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.

SERES continues to connect with the ASEAN through technological innovation and intelligent manufacturing, showcasing its “new luxury” and setting a new “benchmark” for China’s intelligent manufacturing going global, said He.

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Oratmangun, the Indonesian ambassador, told China Daily that many Chinese electric vehicles have entered the Indonesian market and have become very popular due to their good quality and positive users’ experiences.

“This will positively promote technological cooperation between China and Indonesia, as Indonesia’s main development direction is green electricity or new energy, with the EV (electric vehicle) sector being a major driving force,” he said.

A grand closing event and investment conference will be held in Indonesia on August 25.

Angkling Gading Gumilang, a key opinion leader (KOL) from Indonesia who attended the launch ceremony, said that the luxury intelligent car looks amazing to him “with a lot of good features”.

“I can’t wait to drive myself when the car lands in Jakarta!” he said.

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He added that it is a good idea to have people driving across Indonesia before reaching Jakarta, to showcase the endurance and quality of the cars, and it is a challenge for them to cross different borders and cultures.

As they grapple with the complex road conditions of Southeast Asia — from congested urban areas with mixed traffic, winding, narrow mountain roads, to muddy and slippery tropical rainforests — AITO vehicles will confidently navigate these challenging terrains with their intelligent technology, said the company.

William Hartanto, another KOL, and Gamma Thohir, board member of Kadin Indonesia China Committee, both said that sitting in the luxury car feels like flying first class on an aircraft.

There are new AI technologies inside this car “so it’s very high tech and very futuristic for me”, said Hartanto.

Thohir said the self-driving part of the car appealed to him most.

AITO will leverage the ASEAN tour to gain deeper insights into overseas market needs, listen to local users’ feedback, and optimize product and service experiences, thus furthering the global reach of Chinese smart technology, said the company.