SAIC Breaks 100 Million! Why Does This "100-Million Level Prestige" Belong to Them?

May 28, 2026, Shanghai North Bund. When the key to the IM LS9 Hyper was handed to Momenta CEO Cao Xudong, SAIC Group officially achieved the milestone of "China's first production and sales volume exceeding 100 million".

100 million vehicles, this is not just a cold industrial data, but a vivid footnote to the Chinese automotive industry's journey from nothing to something, from weak to strong. From the hammering and clanging in the alleyways in 1955, people back then probably didn't think that over 70 years later, this "small alley" would make a splash with "100 million", which is simply a "comeback feel-good story" for Chinese cars.

Today, let's dig into how this "veteran top star" managed to reach its current status.

Seizing the "Opportunity", Grabbing Center Stage is SAIC's Secret Technique

Looking back at SAIC's more than half-century history, there is only one feeling: this guy's "KPI" is set too accurately! While others were pushed by the times, SAIC was checking the stopwatch to grab the center stage. For every technological revolution, it seemed to have the answer in advance.

In the 1950s, it was a hardcore start with an improvised troupe. There were no high-tech equipment or returned technology experts at that time, only full of enthusiasm and a hammer. In 1958, workers hammered out the "Phoenix Brand" car under simple conditions. It's like others were still playing with mud, while SAIC started doing "handmade customization". Although the cars of that time might have been "thin skin and heavy filling", that stubborn "I want to build cars" will absolutely be the most hardcore declaration of that era.

In the 1980s, SAIC got on the "big leg" and completed a "comeback" on the way. At the opportunity of Reform and Opening-up, SAIC directly brought in Volkswagen. Once the Santana was out, who could compete? The Santana of that time was a synonym for "financial power". But what made SAIC awesome? It wasn't only about selling cars, it created a "Santana Localization Consortium" and revitalized the parts industry. This move not only made SAIC earn a fortune, but also set an example for the Chinese automotive industry.

After entering the 2000s, SAIC started with one hand "financial power" and the other hand "black tech". When others were still seeking survival in the fuel car niche, SAIC had already launched Roewe in 2006. In 2016, it partnered with Alibaba to launch the world's first Internet car Roewe RX5. At that time, competitors were still studying how to play CDs, while SAIC's cars were already browsing Taobao and chatting on WeChat. This "dimensionality reduction strike" directly gave SAIC the lead in the intelligent track.

Arriving in 2026, SAIC started to "serve up" technology and "bring down" prices. In the second half of intelligence, SAIC directly unleashed the "Tech Super Set": IM's full X-by-Wire chassis, Momenta's Smart Driving, Huawei's Qiankun, and even solid-state batteries were equipped (MG4 Semi-Solid Version).

What's most amazing is that SAIC put these configurations originally available on cars worth hundreds of thousands onto cars worth over 100,000. This is not car building, it is the practitioner of "tech democratization", allowing ordinary people to enjoy the happiness of "future cockpit".

100 Million "True Loves": Who Is This Car Sold To?

Production and sales exceeding 100 million sound like a cold number, but after watching this delivery ceremony, I want to say: this is not just a delivery, it is clearly a global fan grand celebration! This lineup is simply an "All-Brand Cosplay Convention". From Shanghai to London, from Indonesia to Singapore, SAIC delivered dozens of models from its dozen of brands at once. This prestige is more of an auto show than an auto show.

In the high-end arena, it was big shots mutual praising, and the situation was once out of control. The 100 millionth owner was Momenta CEO Cao Xudong, this is called "two-way pursuit". IM LS9 Hyper was given to the tech big shot, Audi E7X was given to the fashion editor, this is called "professionals drive professional cars". Especially the IM LS9 Hyper, equipped with full X-by-Wire four-wheel steering and Nvidia Thor chip, this configuration is simply welding "future" onto the chassis.

In the home arena, SAIC showed a grounded side, and because it is grounded, it has the most confidence. Buick Zhijing E7 was given to charity blogger Liu Jia, Wuling Rongguang EV version was given to village party secretary Pang Fuqiang. Especially that village secretary, before he used a tricycle to deliver food, not only was it slow but also bumping. Now driving Wuling, he said directly "delivery efficiency is maxed out, waist doesn't hurt". Isn't this the best proof of "If the people need it, Wuling builds it"? This is the real "grounded, growing into a towering tree".

In the global arena, Chinese cars are also world cars. The British guy picked up MG4, the Indonesian international player drove off Wuling Starlight. The MG in Europe is now the sales champion, what does this show? It shows our cars are not only loved by Chinese people, but foreigners also think they are "trendy". SAIC's move of "going global" has simply turned "China Smart Manufacturing" into "Global Blockbuster".

Honest Review: Where Does SAIC Win?

From the perspective of automotive media, SAIC can sit firmly in this "100-Million Level" throne, not because of luck, but because of solid "hardcore strength".

First is strategic stability. Many car companies like to chase trends, PPT car building, and random name changes. SAIC started a comprehensive transformation to new energy in 2014, invested 150 billion in R&D, and this is how it has the "tech dividend" today. Long-termism is always the ace that beats speculation and shortcuts.

Secondly is an open mindset. SAIC never feels it can handle everything. Car building has Volkswagen and GM, smart driving pulls in Momenta, playing ecology holds hands with Huawei and Alibaba. This strategy of "you are responsible for being excellent, I am responsible for putting your excellence into the car" is highly efficient, simply the "best support".

Finally is the conscience bottom line. Whether it was the early Santana "absolutely no quality compromise", or the current Magic Cube Battery "zero spontaneous combustion", SAIC has always been "stubborn" in product control. In this era where you can buy abandoned buildings, reliability is the greatest luxury.

Of Course, Even the Perfect Idol Has "Small Flaws"

Of course, no one is perfect, neither are cars. We have to be objective and fair, can't just talk good. Although SAIC's delivery ceremony this time was going great, in daily product details, sometimes it will still be criticized for "aesthetic failure". For example, the design of some low-end models sometimes makes people feel "did the designer drink too much?". Also, in the iteration speed of the pure electric platform, sometimes it is chased a bit tightly by new forces, occasionally giving people the illusion of "rose early but arrived late". Of course, this is just my personal opinion, do not rage comment.

However, flaws don't obscure merit. Overall, in summary, SAIC's 70 years can be summarized in three words:Won Completely.

Finally, I Want to Add a Few More Words

From 1955 to 2026, from Phoenix Brand to IM, SAIC's 70 years is a history of struggle, and also a "feel-good story". Everyone says the domestic automotive market is super competitive now, but for us consumers, the biggest winner is actually ourselves. Only because car companies compete fiercely, can we use less money to buy cooler cars! The next 100 million vehicles, let's wait and see!