HarmonyOS Smart Mobility App Redesigns Homepage: Brand Entries Replaced by Model Sorting, AITO to Go 'Exclusive'

Following the official announcement by HarmonyOS Smart Mobility regarding the "AITO cooperation model adjustment," a series of changes have quickly ensued.

On September 18, Caixin reporters learned from the HarmonyOS Smart Mobility App that, compared to the previous day's brand entry module featuring "Stelato, Luxeed, Zunje, Shangjie, AITO," the homepage has been redesigned to display vehicle model entries in the order "G9, RX, V8, V800, S800, H5, V9." Users can now choose between "manual sorting" and "default sorting" based on their needs and preferences.

Caixin reporters also noted that the secondary page for "HarmonyOS Smart Mobility" on the Huawei Mall App has not yet been updated accordingly, still showing the brand order "Zunje, Stelato, Luxeed, Shangjie, AITO."

Industry observers believe the aforementioned redesign is directly related to the recent adjustment in the cooperation model between Huawei and Seres.

Background of the Cooperation Model Adjustment

Reporters previously learned from informed sources on September 15 that the smart selection vehicle cooperation model between Huawei and Seres is about to undergo adjustments. In the future, Huawei will cooperate with Seres using a light-asset approach. Areas such as product, marketing, sales, and service, previously led by Huawei, will be adjusted to be led by Seres.

Later that same day, HarmonyOS Smart Mobility officially announced the above adjustment and stated that all existing rights and subsequent services for AITO users would remain unaffected. AITO subsequently stated that the "exclusive and specialized" AITO brand would deliver a more premium high-end smart electric vehicle experience to users.

Channel Changes and Speculation

Following the adjustment in the cooperation model with Huawei, the market has been filled with various speculations regarding changes to AITO's sales channels. On September 17, an informed source told reporters that from January 1, 2027, Huawei specialty stores will be formally divided into two types:

• One type exclusively selling AITO vehicles
• The other type selling the other four brands (Stelato, Luxeed, Zunje, Shangjie) together

"The former model essentially means that some HarmonyOS Smart Mobility stores will be 'allocated' to Seres," the source said, adding that this model "has just been negotiated, and the full implementation will require a transition period."

Under the current channel plan, the AITO brand will implement an "exclusive and specialized" approach and will retain existing delivery centers to support after-sales service and vehicle delivery.

Current Channel Data

According to official channel data:

• AITO has a total of 1,146 brand-authorized touchpoints, covering 240 cities
• Of these, 637 are authorized touchpoints from Huawei's consumer electronics automotive division

Data provided by Li Yanwei, an expert from the China Automobile Dealers Association, indicates that there are only 55 physical automotive sites authorized for both AITO and the other four brands, covering 23 cities.

Implications of Online and Offline Changes

The series of changes across online and offline channels indicates:

• AITO has not separated from HarmonyOS Smart Mobility; "exclusive and specialized" will become the new主力 for AITO's sales channels
• The impact of the HarmonyOS Smart Mobility App redesign on AITO remains to be seen

Industry observers generally believe that the App serves as a digital hub for automotive brands to connect directly with users. It is not merely a tool entry point but carries the full-chain value of lead acquisition, brand seeding, order conversion, delivery tracking, user operations, repurchase, and after-sales service.

After-Sales Service Upgrade

Alongside pre-sales channel adjustments, AITO has promptly upgraded its after-sales services. Reporters found that "AITO User Service" recently released its latest service upgrade plan, which includes:

• Lifetime warranty for paint repair
• AI cloud-based intelligent inspection services
• The return of the highly anticipated "AITO Grand Hotel" — offering free off-peak car washing, free windshield washer fluid refills, and quality dining services

Industry Analysis

"This adjustment is a milestone calibration of the 'tech company + OEM' cooperation model in China, proving that the model itself is not set in stone," an industry insider commented. "After the model switch, the comprehensive capabilities of the OEM will be put to the test."

(Source: Caixin)