Huawei-backed Aito accepts pre-orders for M8 and updated M9 SUVs with starting prices of RMB 368,000 and RMB 478,000 respectively.

Huawei-backed Aito has started taking pre-orders for its new SUV model M8 and updated M9 SUV. The M8 will launch in April with a starting price of RMB 368,000 ($50,790), competing with Li Auto's Li L8. The updated M9 SUV will launch later this month with a starting price of RMB 478,000 yuan. Customers who reserve the SUVs now can get a RMB 10,000 reduction on their final payment.

The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) market is heating up, and Huawei-backed Aito is making waves with its latest moves. According to recent reports, the brand is targeting sales of 600,000 units in 2024, a significant increase from its current lineup of three models [1]. To achieve this goal, Aito is planning to launch two new SUV models, the M8 and an updated version of the M9, in the coming months [1][2].

Aito's latest offering, the M9, was officially launched on December 26, 2023, and has already garnered 54,000 pre-orders [1]. The flagship SUV is available in both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions, catering to different consumer preferences. The M9 competes with Li Auto's Li L8, which was launched earlier in the year [1].

The M8 is set to launch in April 2024, with a starting price of RMB 368,000 ($50,790) [2]. This puts it in a competitive position against the Li L8, which is priced at around RMB 380,000 ($53,700) [1]. Customers who reserve the M8 now can enjoy a RMB 10,000 reduction on their final payment [2].

Apart from the M8, Aito is also planning to launch an updated version of the M9 later this month, with a starting price of RMB 478,000 yuan [2]. The brand has already communicated its 2024 sales targets to upstream supply chain manufacturers, indicating its confidence in meeting these ambitious goals [1].

Aito's joint business with Huawei aims to produce and sell more than one million NEVs in 2026 [1]. To achieve this, the brand is likely to continue expanding its lineup and exploring new markets.

References:

[1] CnevPost. (2023, December 27). Aito targets 600,000 sales in 2024. Retrieved from https://cnevpost.com/2023/12/27/aito-targets-600000-sales-2024/

[2] Cailian. (2023, December 26). Aito to launch new M5, M8 in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cailian.com.cn/news/20231226/12985053-3.html