China Auto Daily丨HIMA Unveils Maextro V800, S800, and AITO M9 Ultimate in MIIT Filing

HIMA Files Three Ultra-Luxury Models with MIIT

On May 9, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released its 407th batch of new vehicle announcements, revealing three flagship models from Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). The filing includes two models under the Maextro brand: the V800 MPV and the S800 Grand Design, alongside the AITO M9 Ultimate Extended Edition. The Maextro V800 is the brand's first MPV, featuring a massive body length approaching 5500mm. It is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powered by a 1.5L range extender delivering 127kW, paired with a high-capacity 63kWh battery pack. The S800 Grand Design is projected to be a bespoke "high-end custom" version of the flagship sedan. Industry analysts expect the pricing for this specialized edition to reach approximately RMB 2,000,000 (USD 289,900). It will be available in both pure electric and extended-range powertrains. Simultaneously, the AITO M9 Ultimate Extended Edition has officially entered the regulatory phase with a pre-sale price starting at RMB 669,800 (USD 97,100).

China Reports Strong Growth in Electric Vehicle Exports

According to data released by the General Administration of Customs on May 9, China's mechanical and electrical product exports reached RMB 5.92 trillion (USD 857.97 billion) during the first four months of 2026, a 17.6% increase. This sector now accounts for 63.5% of the country's total exports. Notably, "green" products maintained high growth momentum, with electric vehicle exports surging 68.1% year-on-year. Other key components of this sector, such as lithium batteries and wind turbines, reported growth rates of 43.2% and 40.7%, respectively.

BYD Launches Linghui e9 Sedan for Diverse Mobility Scenarios

On May 9, BYD officially launched the Linghui e9, a mid-to-large size pure electric sedan, in three variants with official guidance prices ranging from RMB 150,800 (USD 21,900) to RMB 169,800 (USD 24,600). The e9 is equipped with second-generation Blade battery technology, flash-charging capabilities, and the "God's Eye" intelligent driving assistance system. According to BYD, the model is designed to provide professional-grade mobility solutions across multiple segments. The Linghui e9 is specifically positioned to cover four primary usage scenarios: family travel, luxury ride-hailing, government fleet services, and business receptions. By targeting family users, professional drivers, and government institutions, BYD aims to provide a versatile, high-tech electric sedan that prioritizes efficiency and passenger comfort.

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