Chongqing - "The automobile industry is an important pillar industry in Sichuan and Chongqing, and leveraging each other's strengths, we can achieve deep linkage cooperation to expand the trillion-yuan intelligent connected new energy vehicle (NEV) industry cluster," said Zhang Xinghai, Chairman of Seres Group, during a meeting on strengthening the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle February 18.

On February 6, cutting-edge new energy vehicles rolled off the production line at the Seres Smart Factory in Shapingba District, Chongqing. (Photo/ Zhang Jinhui)

The meeting emphasized the critical role of scientific and technological innovation in developing a modern industrial system, aligning with the "33618" manufacturing cluster system strategy. This aims to drive new industrialization and boost the emergence of high-quality productivity.

The intelligent-connected NEV sector has emerged as a competitive arena on the global stage, with Sichuan and Chongqing at the forefront. In 2023, both regions jointly produced 3.29 million vehicles, marking a 3.9% increase and contributing 10.9% of China's total automotive production. Notably, the production of NEVs soared by 35.8% to reach 652,000 units.

In 2023, Sichuan and Chongqing jointly produced China's 10.9% of vehicles. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

Sichuan and Chongqing are enhancing their collaboration to develop a high-level trillion yuan automotive industry cluster by 2025. The aim is to make the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle a global center for automotive R&D, manufacturing, and application.

Zhang highlighted Chongqing's strengths in vehicle development and Sichuan's comprehensive clean energy resources for NEVs. This synergy fosters a collaborative model in the power battery industry, notably in Yibin, with Chengdu and Suining also contributing significantly.

According to Zhang, Sichuan also contributes notable software and digital technology strengths. Sichuan and Chongqing offer substantial industrial support, providing a solid foundation for collaborative production, education, and research initiatives.

The AITO series by Seres, in collaboration with Huawei, exemplifies the synergy between Sichuan and Chongqing, utilizing CATL's new energy power batteries from its Yibin plant in Sichuan and incorporating parts from local suppliers.

To further the synergistic development of industries, the Chongqing Liangjiang New Area and Sichuan Tianfu New Area have established eight major industrial alliances, including one focused on the automotive industry. Seres Super Factory in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, which manufactures the high-end new energy model M9, represents a significant milestone in China's NEV manufacturing landscape.

Zhang aims for Seres to lead in intelligent connected NEVs, focusing on software-driven vehicle innovation and an Internet of Everything automotive ecosystem. This approach drives high-quality development and establishes new global automotive industry standards.

In January 2024, Seres's NEVs sales hit 36,838 units, up 654.1% year-on-year, with the AITO M7 alone reaching 31,253 deliveries.