On June 9, Saidou Technology officially launched its new AI-focused automotive brand, AIVA. The brand name is derived from “Artificial Intelligence Voyage Ahead,” symbolizing AI as a companion for users while also evoking the phonetic sentiment of “love me,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to addressing user needs through empathetic AI technology.
AIVA also unveiled its brand logo, which centers on the concept of an “Embodied AI Lifeform.” The central circle represents the AI large model acting as the “brain,” while the internal form symbolizes a vibrant human being, free to embrace the world under the protection of a comprehensive AI ecosystem.
During the launch event, the company showcased the official images of its first model, a coupe-style SUV. The vehicle features a dynamic front fascia with interactive lighting, a sculpted hood with air channels, and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. The side profile is muscular with an upward-sweeping waistline, while the rear emphasizes a wide-body stance, a fastback silhouette, and an aggressive bumper and spoiler design. Notably, the exterior incorporates prominent auxiliary driving indicator lights.
**AIVA’s “AI Ace in the Hole”**
AIVA is positioned to target the 100,000 to 200,000 RMB ($13,800 – $27,600 USD) family market with both pure electric and range-extended powertrains. Reports indicate that the first model will feature the ByteDance-backed Volcano Engine “Doubao” large model as standard equipment. This integration supports multi-modal interaction, emotion sensing, scenario-based recommendations, and seamless connectivity with the Douyin and Feishu ecosystems. For intelligent driving, AIVA has opted to partner with DeepRoute.ai rather than Huawei’s Qiankun system. The vehicles will be manufactured at the Seres Phoenix factory.
The company also released a promotional video demonstrating how AI defines the vehicle experience, including natural language conversation, QR code payments, proactive seat adjustments, life-logging via cameras, and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capabilities for camping.
**Seres’ Strategic Pivot**
Saidou Technology is backed by a consortium of investors, with Chongqing Shaci Zhiyuan as the largest shareholder (34.5%), followed by Seres (32.96%) and CATL (9.89%).
For Seres, this move is a strategic effort to reduce its heavy reliance on the AITO brand, which accounted for 90.3% of its sales in 2025. Furthermore, the high-end intelligent driving solutions currently used in AITO models face significant hurdles in international markets due to the specific nature of the partnerships involved. AIVA represents a proactive attempt by Seres to diversify its portfolio.
Last October, Seres’ subsidiary, Chongqing Phoenix Technology, signed a framework agreement with Volcano Engine to collaborate on embodied intelligence, focusing on cloud-edge collaborative decision-making and human-machine enhancement. This partnership provides the intelligent algorithms and computing power necessary to integrate advanced AI into AIVA’s product lineup. The first AIVA model is expected to launch later this year.
