A new Chinese automotive brand backed by technology from TikTok parent company ByteDance is preparing to launch its first vehicle before the end of 2026.
According to a report from CarNewsChina, the new Saidou brand is expected to launch its first model later this year, combining Seres’ automotive expertise with ByteDance’s artificial intelligence technology.
The brand, called Saidou, is being developed by Chinese automaker Seres through a newly restructured company known as Chongqing Saidou Technology. The venture is expected to focus heavily on artificial intelligence, with ByteDance’s cloud and AI platform, Volcano Engine, set to provide advanced in-car technology.
What is Saidou?
Saidou is a newly established automotive brand that has emerged following the restructuring of the former Landian business.
On May 29, Chongqing Landian Technology officially changed its name to Chongqing Saidou Technology after receiving a capital injection worth 6.67 billion yuan (approximately A$1.4 billion).
The funding came from a consortium of investors that includes a government-backed fund from Chongqing’s Shapingba District, a subsidiary of battery giant CATL and several other strategic investors.
As part of the transaction, Seres reduced its ownership stake to approximately 32.96 per cent, while a government-backed investment platform became the largest shareholder with a 34.5 per cent stake.
What will the first Saidou vehicle be?
According to reports from China, Saidou’s first vehicle will be a crossover positioned between a sedan and an SUV.
The model is expected to be available with both battery-electric and range-extender powertrains, allowing buyers to choose between a pure EV and an electrified vehicle with a petrol-powered range extender.
Production is reportedly scheduled to take place at Seres’ Phoenix factory, which is currently undergoing upgrades ahead of the vehicle’s launch.
The first Saidou model is expected to arrive before the end of 2026.
How is ByteDance involved?
Despite widespread attention around TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance is not building the vehicle itself.
Instead, its Volcano Engine platform is expected to provide the artificial intelligence technology that powers the vehicle’s digital experience.
Reports suggest Saidou will utilise advanced AI cockpit systems and large language model technology to deliver smarter voice controls and enhanced in-car interactions.
This differs from Seres’ existing Aito brand, which uses Huawei technology for intelligent driving systems.
ByteDance has previously stated that it does not plan to develop autonomous driving technology, choosing instead to focus on AI, cloud services and digital infrastructure.
Why does this matter?
The launch of Saidou highlights a growing trend across China’s automotive sector, where traditional car manufacturers are increasingly partnering with major technology companies.
Rather than competing solely on performance, range or pricing, many brands are now investing heavily in software, connectivity and artificial intelligence to attract younger buyers.
While Saidou has not announced any plans for Australia, the partnership demonstrates how AI is becoming a key battleground in the global automotive industry.
Meanwhile, Seres continues to expand its new-energy vehicle business. The company reported sales of 33,476 new-energy vehicles in May 2026, while cumulative sales for the first five months of the year reached 145,108 units, up 15.1 per cent year-on-year.
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