Chinese Luxury EV Brand Enters UAE Market
AITO, a Chinese luxury intelligent vehicle brand, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Performance Plus Motors in the UAE. The partnership marks a new phase in the global expansion of high-end electric vehicles from China into key luxury markets.
- AITO is a brand born from the collaboration between Chinese automaker Seres Group and tech giant Huawei, where Huawei provides the full-stack intelligent vehicle solutions, including the HarmonyOS operating system and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This partnership aims to integrate cutting-edge technology directly into the manufacturing process, under a model Huawei calls the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). - The brand's flagship model, the AITO M9, is a full-size luxury SUV that has seen significant success in the competitive Chinese market. In February 2026, it was reported that the M9 had maintained its position as the sales leader in China's segment for vehicles priced above CNY 500,000 (approximately $72,400) for 21 consecutive months. - The UAE is a burgeoning market for luxury electric vehicles, with EV sales jumping from 3.2% of the total market in 2022 to 13% in 2023. This growth is driven by high disposable incomes, government initiatives promoting clean energy, and a growing consumer preference for high-tech, sustainable vehicles. - Chinese EV brands are rapidly increasing their market share in the UAE, which is projected to grow from 10% in 2024 to 34% in the Middle East and Africa region by 2030. This influx is challenging the traditional dominance of Western and Japanese manufacturers by offering vehicles with advanced technology and competitive pricing. - AITO's UAE distributor, Performance Plus Motors, is a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Motors, a major player in the luxury automotive sector and the exclusive dealer for brands like Rolls-Royce, BMW, and MINI in Abu Dhabi. This connection provides AITO with an established network and a deep understanding of the UAE's high-net-worth clientele. - Performance Plus Motors also recently became the exclusive distributor for VOYAH, another premium Chinese electric vehicle brand from Dongfeng Motor Corporation, signaling a clear strategy to introduce new energy luxury brands to the region. - The AITO M9 offers both battery-electric (EV) and extended-range electric (EREV) powertrain options. The EV version boasts a dual-motor system with a combined output of 390 kW, while the EREV pairs a 1.5L turbocharged engine with dual electric motors for a total system output of 365 kW. - AITO models entering the Middle East are being adapted for the local market, including a smart cockpit with trilingual interaction in Chinese, English, and Arabic, and integration with the local digital ecosystem.
