Gasgoo Munich-Saidou Technology, backed by SERES, officially unveiled its new AI automotive brand, AIVA, at a launch event in Beijing on the evening of June 9. The name stands for "Artificial Intelligence Voyage Ahead," symbolizing AI as a companion on the road ahead. It also echoes the Chinese phrase for "love me," reflecting the brand's vision to meet real user needs with empathetic AI technology.
Image credit: Saidou Technology
The AIVA Origin Concept made its debut at the event, alongside news that the brand’s first production model, the AIVA ME7, will launch later this year. AIVA plans to establish a full product lineup, with the entire range targeting the mainstream market priced above 200,000 yuan.
The first model is a crossover, offered in both battery-electric and range-extended variants. Priced between 100,000 and 200,000 yuan, it will serve as a differentiated complement to SERES' existing AITO brand, which occupies the premium segment above 250,000 yuan. The vehicle will be produced at SERES' Fenghuang plant, with plans for an independent sales network targeting both domestic and overseas markets.
On the software front, the entire AIVA lineup will come standard with a smart cabin system powered by the Doubao large model. For intelligent driving, however, the brand has opted for an advanced driver-assistance system from DeepRoute.ai — avoiding Huawei's HIMA ecosystem. The move signals SERES' push to diversify its supply chain.
Saidou Technology — formerly SERES' Landian Technology — closed a 6.67 billion yuan funding round in May, bringing in five investors including Chongqing state-backed Shaci Zhiyuan and CATL. Following the capital injection, the Chongqing state entity emerged as the top shareholder with a 34.5% stake, pushing SERES to second place at 32.96%.
AVATR, for its part, took to Weibo the same day to criticize the branding. Noting the resemblance to its own name, the company said it views the similarity "as an honor, but more as a warning," stressing that "Chinese automakers cannot simply hit Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V." AVATR's legal department later added that it "reserves the right to pursue further legal action." Separately, ByteDance has explicitly stated that Saidou is not a car brand it launched, and the two share no equity ties.
