AITO Targets European Launch in Fall 2027 at Paris Motor Show
The Chinese brand announced its entry date but left pricing and specific markets unconfirmed.
12 Oct 2026 0 reads Compiled with AI
AITO has announced plans to start selling cars in Europe in the fall of 2027. The brand confirmed this timeline at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, 2026. This specific date follows earlier reports that a launch would occur the following year. Both publications agree on the autumn 2027 target for market entry.
Four SUV models were shown at the event to illustrate the brand's lineup. These vehicles include the AITO 6, 7, 8 and 9, which are known as M6 and M9 in China. The flagship SUV is described as a large three-row vehicle that competes with German luxury models. All models are available there as battery-electric or range-extended electric versions.
A key part of the European strategy involves changing how the brand is presented to buyers. Huawei-backed AITO has moved to a support role, with Seres leading product operations and marketing for Europe. The press materials do not display the word Huawei, which suits markets with restrictions on Chinese technology. One report states the companies signed a five-year agreement on September 30, while the other describes the signing occurring two weeks after mid-September.
The company is currently working on certification required to sell vehicles in the European Union. This process includes EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval, a mandatory safety and compliance standard for the bloc. AITO also targets a five-star Euro NCAP rating for its entire lineup under 2026 protocols. Compliance with data privacy rules like GDPR is included in the briefing materials.
Sales history shows a strong track record, though the exact numbers differ between reports. Electrek reports AITO sold 426,000 vehicles in 2025, while CarNewsChina cites a figure of 420,000 cars. In either case, the brand reached one million cumulative deliveries in just over four years. Performance slowed in 2026, with reported monthly declines affecting the broader alliance.
Entering the market faces significant trade policy hurdles and tariff challenges. European buyers may face anti-subsidy duties up to 35.3 percent on Chinese-built electric vehicles. A recent deal between the EU and China aims to halve hybrid exports, though details on range-extended models remain unclear. The brand will enter a competitive field alongside established German luxury brands.
Important details for buyers remain unconfirmed at this stage of the announcement. No prices or specific launch markets were identified during the press event. Dealers and distribution partners have not yet been named for the European network. AITO plans to build local service teams, but the timeline for pricing remains uncertain.