ByteDance denies 'TikTok car', will supply AI tech to Seres instead

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has officially denied rumors that it plans to launch a car with Seres Group, the automaker behind the AITO brand. In a statement, ByteDance made four key clarifications: it has no plans for a car launch or brand launch, 'Saidou' is not a car brand launched by ByteDance or its Doubao AI, ByteDance does not hold shares in Saidou, and its Doubao and Volcano Engine divisions focus solely on smart cockpit and AI technology for the automotive industry. The denial comes after speculation intensified following the restructuring of Chongqing Landian Technology, a Seres subsidiary, into a new entity called Saidou Technology.

The restructuring involved a 6.67 billion yuan ($952.9 million) capital injection from investors including Wending Investment and CATL's strategic investment arm. Saidou is preparing to launch a new car brand on June 9, with hints at 'exploring the infinite possibilities of AI-defined vehicles.' However, ByteDance's statement confirms it will not be a co-branded 'TikTok car.' Instead, the company's role will be limited to providing AI and smart cockpit capabilities through Volcano Engine and Doubao. This aligns with ByteDance's past distancing from automotive manufacturing and autonomous driving, focusing instead on interactive cabin technologies. Seres previously gained prominence through its partnership with Huawei, and now with ByteDance's AI software, Saidou aims to differentiate itself in the competitive Chinese EV market.