Seres Group
Seres Group is a Chinese automotive manufacturer and mobility group producing electric vehicles, internal-combustion vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, engines, and automotive components.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Seres Group, legally known as Seres Group Co., Ltd., is a Chinese automotive manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing. The company was established in September 1986 as Chongqing Baxian Fenghuang Electronic Factory, a small industrial business producing components for household appliances, springs, and other parts. It later expanded into automotive shock absorbers, engines, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and electric vehicles. The group was previously known principally as Sokon Group or Chongqing Sokon Industry Group and adopted the Seres Group name in 2022. The company's early development was based on component manufacturing. Its products included Japanese-licensed household-appliance parts and automotive-seat springs supplied to Chinese and Japanese markets. In 1996, an affiliated shock-absorber manufacturer, Chongqing Yu'an Shock Absorber Company, was established. The Yu'an business became an important industrial foundation for the group's later move into complete vehicles. The group subsequently created or acquired businesses involved in motorcycle production, vehicle engineering, commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and electric mobility. Seres entered vehicle manufacturing through partnerships. In 2002, it established XGJAO Motorcycle, which developed low-cost motorcycles aimed primarily at younger consumers. In 2003, the company and Dongfeng Motor Corporation formed Dongfeng Yu'an Automobile, a 50:50 joint venture headquartered in Chongqing with production in Wuhan. The venture used licensed technologies associated with Suzuki and began producing small commercial vehicles and microvans. Its first major vehicle, the K-Series microvan, entered production in 2005 and was exported to markets outside China. In 2007, the industrial group changed its automotive identity to Chongqing Sokon Automobile. The Yu'an name was retained for shock absorbers and related components, while the vehicle joint venture adopted the Dongfeng Sokon name, commonly abbreviated as DFSK in overseas markets. The joint venture expanded from light commercial vehicles into passenger vehicles, including the Fengon range of compact multipurpose vehicles and sport-utility vehicles. Its millionth vehicle was produced in 2012, marking the scale reached by the Dongfeng partnership. Sokon became a publicly listed company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in June 2016. That year, it launched the DFSK Glory 580, its first important SUV-type product, and established SF Motors in the United States to pursue electric-vehicle development. SF Motors acquired an AM General manufacturing facility and developed engineering and design capabilities in California, Michigan, and Chongqing. Although the group's international electric-vehicle strategy evolved over time, this period established a stronger focus on electrification and software-defined vehicles. The ownership structure changed substantially in 2018. Sokon acquired Dongfeng's interest in the vehicle joint venture, making Sokon the sole owner of DFSK, while Dongfeng received a significant stake in Sokon. The group then strengthened its technology partnerships. In 2019, it signed an agreement with Huawei covering information technology and software for electric vehicles. In 2022, it entered a battery cooperation agreement with CATL and changed its corporate name from Sokon Group to Seres Group. The Seres name is derived from the ancient Greek term for China. Seres Group currently operates through businesses including Seres, Seres Hubei, XGJAO Motorcycle, Yu'an shock-absorber operations, and Ruichi electric commercial vehicles. Its portfolio includes the Seres electric-vehicle brand, the AITO smart-electric-vehicle collaboration with Huawei, Fengon passenger vehicles, DFSK commercial vehicles, and Ruichi electric commercial vehicles. AITO vehicles are designed and technologically supported in collaboration with Huawei, while Seres is responsible for vehicle production. Since 2023, the Seres marqu…
History
Seres Group traces its origins to September 1986, when Zhang Xinghai and other shareholders established Chongqing Baxian Fenghuang Electronic Factory. The original business manufactured components for household appliances and springs used in automotive seating. Much of the early output was based on Japanese-licensed designs and was sold in both China and Japan. The company achieved a substantial position in its component segment before expanding into automotive parts. In September 1996, Chongqing Yu'an Shock Absorber Company was established to manufacture shock absorbers for cars and motorcycles. The factory reached annual production of more than 1.5 million units at its peak. The business later became associated with Chongqing Yu'an Innovation Technology, and shock absorbers remained one of the group's continuing industrial activities. The move into complete vehicles began with motorcycles and partnerships. XGJAO Motorcycle was founded in July 2002 and produced affordable sports motorcycles, including the F4 and later F5, F6, and F7 models. In June 2003, Sokon's predecessor and Dongfeng Motor Corporation established Dongfeng Yu'an Automobile as an equal joint venture. The venture was based in Chongqing and operated an assembly plant in Wuhan. It used licensed chassis and engine technologies for microvans and small commercial vehicles, including products associated with Suzuki. The first Dongfeng Yu'an K-Series vehicle entered production in 2005 and was exported internationally. In 2007, the group changed its automotive corporate name to Chongqing Sokon Automobile. The Yu'an name continued in the components business, while the vehicle operation adopted Dongfeng Sokon, or DFSK. The company broadened its vehicle portfolio and introduced the Fengon passenger-vehicle line, known in some export markets as DFSK Glory. The joint venture produced its millionth vehicle in May 2012. Sokon was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on 15 June 2016. During the same year, it introduced the DFSK Glory 580 SUV and created SF Motors in Santa Clara, California, to develop electric vehicles. SF Motors acquired an AM General manufacturing site and established design and engineering centers in California, Michigan, and Chongqing. The initiative reflected Sokon's attempt to build capabilities beyond conventional commercial vehicles and into global electric mobility. A major corporate restructuring occurred in November 2018. Sokon acquired Dongfeng's share of the joint venture, becoming the sole owner of DFSK. Dongfeng received a substantial equity interest in Sokon in the transaction. In January 2019, Sokon signed a cooperation agreement with Huawei concerning electric-vehicle information technology and software. This relationship later became central to the AITO smart-electric-vehicle business. In April 2022, Seres signed a battery agreement with CATL, with the stated term extending to 2026. In July 2022, the corporate group changed its name from Sokon Group to Seres Group. The change reflected the growing importance of the Seres electric-vehicle identity and the group's transition toward new-energy vehicles. In October 2023, Dongfeng Sokon Automobile was renamed Seres Automobile (Hubei), marking the completion of a further step away from the former joint-venture corporate identity. The group has operated several distinct automotive businesses. Seres develops and markets electric passenger vehicles, while AITO is produced through cooperation with Huawei: Huawei contributes design, software, and intelligent-vehicle technology, and Seres provides manufacturing and automotive industrial capabilities. The Seres marque has increasingly been used for export markets since 2023, whereas AITO has been focused mainly on China. Fengon produces affordable passenger vehicles, particularly compact MPVs and SUVs. DFSK specializes in light commercial vehicles, and Ruichi produces electric commercial vehicles. XGJAO remains associated with motorcycles, while Yu'an operations continue to represent the group's shock-absorber and component heritage. In June 2023, the AITO trademark was transferred from Seres to Huawei. In July 2024, Huawei announced the transfer of related English trademarks and patents back to Seres Group for RMB 2.5 billion, according to the cited reference material. In August 2024, Seres announced an investment in Huawei's Yinwang intelligent-vehicle subsidiary. These transactions illustrate the commercial and technological depth of the Seres-Huawei relationship. By 2022, the group reported cumulative exports of about 500,000 vehicles. Its recent strategy has emphasized electric and extended-range vehicles, software integration, intelligent driving, battery partnerships, and the international expansion of its brands.
- 2024
Yinwang investment announced
[1]Seres announced an investment representing 10% of Huawei subsidiary Shenzhen Yinwang Intelligent Technology.
- 2023
Seres marque shifts toward exports
[1]The group increasingly used Seres as an export-oriented electric-vehicle brand, while AITO remained focused mainly on the Chinese market.
- 2022
CATL battery agreement
[1]Seres entered a battery cooperation agreement with CATL intended to support electric-vehicle production through 2026.
- 2022
Sokon Group becomes Seres Group
[1]The corporate group adopted the Seres Group name as its electric-vehicle activities became increasingly important.
- 2019
Huawei technology agreement
[1]Sokon and Huawei signed an agreement covering information technology and software for electric vehicles.
- 2018
Sokon takes full control of DFSK
[1]Sokon acquired Dongfeng's interest in the vehicle joint venture, becoming the sole owner of DFSK, while Dongfeng received a significant stake in Sokon.
- 2016
Sokon lists on the Shanghai Stock Exchange
[1]Sokon Group became a publicly listed company and also launched the DFSK Glory 580 SUV and SF Motors electric-vehicle initiative.
- 2012
Millionth Dongfeng Sokon vehicle produced
[1]The Dongfeng Sokon joint venture reached production of its one-millionth vehicle.
- 2007
Automotive business adopts the Sokon name
[1]The industrial group became Chongqing Sokon Automobile, while Yu'an was retained for components and Dongfeng Sokon became the vehicle brand identity.
- 2005
K-Series production begins
[1]The Dongfeng Yu'an K-Series microvan entered production at the Wuhan plant and was subsequently exported.
Products and positioning
A Chinese automotive group transitioning from component manufacturing and conventional commercial vehicles toward electric vehicles, intelligent mobility, connected-car software, and technology-led automotive partnerships.
Smart electric passenger vehicles
AITO
AITO is the smart-electric-vehicle marque developed through cooperation between Seres and Huawei. Huawei contributes vehicle design, software, connected services, and intelligent-vehicle technologies, while Seres provides manufacturing and automotive production capabilities. The brand has primarily targeted China's premium and technology-oriented electric-vehicle market. The AITO trademark was transferred between the two companies during 2023 and 2024, reflecting the close commercial relationship between the partners.
Electric passenger vehicles
Seres
Seres is the group's principal electric-passenger-vehicle brand and has increasingly been used for overseas markets since 2023. The marque represents the corporate group's shift from its historical Sokon identity toward battery-electric and intelligent mobility products. Its positioning combines Chinese automotive manufacturing with software, battery, and connected-vehicle partnerships.
Passenger vehicles · 2008
Fengon
Fengon, formerly known as Dongfeng Fengguang and marketed as DFSK Glory in some export markets, produces affordable passenger vehicles. Its range has focused on compact multipurpose vehicles and SUVs. The marque originated within the Dongfeng-Sokon relationship and became part of Seres Group's wholly controlled vehicle portfolio after the restructuring of the former joint venture.
Light commercial vehicles · 2007
DFSK
DFSK, short for Dongfeng Sokon, is the group's light-commercial-vehicle identity. It developed from the Dongfeng Sokon joint venture and has been associated with microvans, small commercial vehicles, and related utility products. After Seres acquired Dongfeng's interest, DFSK became part of the group's wholly owned vehicle operations and continued to serve domestic and export markets.
Electric commercial vehicles · 2003
Ruichi Automobiles
Ruichi Automobiles is a wholly funded Seres Group subsidiary established to develop and produce pure-electric commercial vehicles. It extends the group's commercial-vehicle expertise into electrification and provides products distinct from the passenger-focused Seres and AITO marques.
Motorcycles · 2002
XGJAO
XGJAO Motorcycle was established as the group's motorcycle business and initially targeted younger buyers with low-cost sports motorcycles. Early products included the F4, followed by the F5, F6, and F7. The business reflects Seres Group's diversification beyond four-wheeled vehicles.
Automotive components · 1996
Yu'an
Yu'an is associated with the group's shock-absorber and automotive-component operations. The business originated in the 1996 establishment of Chongqing Yu'an Shock Absorber Company and remains connected to Seres Group's industrial component-manufacturing base.
Controversies
2024
Aito M7 crash and fire in Yuncheng kills 3, raising questions over escape and assisted braking
In April 2024, an Aito M7 crashed and caught fire in Yuncheng, Shanxi, killing three people, prompting questions about assisted braking, door unlocking, and the handling of accident data. The brand said the vehicle was traveling beyond the operating range of the relevant AEB system and that the collision interrupted signals, while Seres denied altering accident data. This entry preserves the company's explanation and does not replace the final liability investigation.
Brand decisions
2024
Announce investment in YinwangM&ABackground
Huawei established Yinwang as an intelligent-vehicle technology subsidiary, deepening the strategic relationship between Huawei and automotive partners.
Action taken
Seres announced an investment representing 10% of Shenzhen Yinwang Intelligent Technology.
Aftermath
The announcement further tied Seres's electric-vehicle strategy to Huawei's intelligent-vehicle technology ecosystem.
2023
Separate export and domestic brand emphasisStrategyBackground
The group operated both the Seres and AITO electric-vehicle marques with different market roles.
Action taken
Seres increasingly became the export-oriented electric-vehicle brand, while AITO was focused mainly on China.
Aftermath
The arrangement gave the group distinct identities for overseas electric-vehicle expansion and domestic Huawei-linked offerings.
2023
Transfer of the AITO trademark to HuaweiOtherBackground
AITO was developed through a close Seres-Huawei cooperation and involved intellectual-property and trademark arrangements between the companies.
Action taken
The AITO trademark was transferred from Seres to Huawei in June 2023.
Aftermath
The trademark transfer was followed by a later announcement that related English trademarks and patents would move back to Seres.
2022
Adopt the Seres Group corporate identityStrategyBackground
The group was historically identified with Sokon, Dongfeng Sokon, and component manufacturing, while its electric-vehicle activities were becoming more prominent.
Action taken
The company changed its corporate name to Seres Group in July 2022.
Aftermath
The new identity aligned the group more closely with its electric-vehicle brand and its international new-energy-vehicle strategy.
2022
Enter a battery cooperation agreement with CATLStrategyBackground
Seres needed battery supply and technical support as it expanded electric-vehicle production.
Action taken
The group signed an agreement with CATL stated to remain effective through 2026.
Aftermath
The agreement strengthened Seres's supply and technology relationship with a leading Chinese battery manufacturer.
2019
Partner with Huawei on electric-vehicle softwareStrategyBackground
Sokon sought to strengthen its electric-vehicle capabilities in information technology and vehicle software.
Action taken
The company signed a cooperation agreement with Huawei covering electric-vehicle information technologies and software.
Aftermath
The relationship later supported the AITO smart-electric-vehicle business and became a major part of Seres's technology strategy.
2018
Acquire Dongfeng's share of the vehicle joint ventureM&ABackground
Sokon and Dongfeng had operated the Dongfeng Yu'an and Dongfeng Sokon vehicle businesses as a joint venture.
Action taken
Sokon acquired Dongfeng's interest and became the sole owner of DFSK, while Dongfeng received a significant equity stake in Sokon.
Aftermath
The transaction gave Sokon direct control of the DFSK vehicle business and reduced the importance of the former joint-venture structure.
Sources4 sources
- 1Seres Group - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- 2Aito M7 crash and fire in Yuncheng kills 3, raising questions over escape and assisted brakingthepaper.cn
- 3Aito M7 crash and fire in Yuncheng kills 3, raising questions over escape and assisted brakingthepaper.cn
- 4Aito M7 crash and fire in Yuncheng kills 3, raising questions over escape and assisted brakingthepaper.cn
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