CHONG QING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 April 2026 - Seres Group reported record revenue and a second consecutive year of profitability in 2025, underscoring the growing traction of its premium electric vehicle strategy in an increasingly competitive Chinese market.

The Chongqing-based carmaker said revenue rose 13.7 per cent year-on-year to Rmb165.05bn, while net profit attributable to shareholders reached Rmb5.96bn. Gross margins for new energy vehicles stood at 28.8 per cent, among the highest in the sector, reflecting stronger pricing power and effective cost control within the premium segment.

The results were driven largely by sales of its AITO-branded vehicles, developed in partnership with Huawei, which have helped position Seres in China's fast-growing premium EV segment.

AITO deliveries exceeded 420,000 units in 2025, making it the best-selling domestic luxury car brand in China. Flagship models continued to anchor growth: AITO M9 delivered more than 110,000 units and retained the top spot in its segment for a second year, while AITO M8 surpassed 150,000 units, leading the Rmb400,000 price bracket. The AITO M7, with more than 110,000 units delivered, was awarded "Annual National SUV".

Momentum has extended to newer models. The M6, a next-generation smart SUV, has recorded more than 60,000 orders, with demand driven in part by younger buyers and increased uptake among female consumers.

Seres has sought to differentiate itself through software and intelligent driving capabilities. As of February 2026, its assisted driving system had more than 870,000 users, with cumulative mileage exceeding 6.13bn kilometres. Usage continued to accelerate through 2025, reaching 3.8bn kilometres for the year alone.

The company is also ramping up investment in research and development, highlighting intensifying competition in China's EV sector and a broader shift towards software-defined vehicles. R&D spending rose 77.4 per cent to Rmb12.51bn in 2025, with R&D intensity and growth rate among the highest in the industry. Headcount expanded sharply, with R&D staff increasing 45.4 per cent to 9,091, while cumulative authorised patents reached 8,046.

The stepped-up investment reflects Seres' push to strengthen its capabilities across intelligent driving, electrification and vehicle software, areas seen as critical to long-term differentiation as China's EV market matures.

Seres maintained a leading position in China's range-extended EV segment, with a 37.5 per cent market share, while continuing to expand its battery electric portfolio.

Despite strong full-year earnings, profit in the fourth quarter declined, reflecting higher spending and balance sheet adjustments. The company cited a 30 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in R&D expenditure to Rmb760mn, a Rmb1.2bn asset impairment, and continued hiring in engineering roles. It said it plans to introduce equity-based incentives following its H-share listing to retain key talent.

Cash generation remained robust, with operating cash flow reaching Rmb28.91bn. The group proposed a final dividend of Rmb0.8 per share, equivalent to a total payout of about Rmb1.9bn. Over the past two years, it has returned nearly Rmb4bn to shareholders, alongside more than Rmb200mn in management share purchases.

The company has also sought to strengthen its environmental, social and governance credentials, receiving a AAA rating from MSCI, the highest available.

Looking ahead, Seres said it would continue to focus on the premium intelligent EV segment, with a target of reaching its second million-unit sales milestone within two years. It also plans to accelerate overseas expansion and develop models tailored for international markets, while exploring new growth areas including intelligent robotics.