SAN FRANCISCO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Silicon Valley team of China's electric vehicle (EV) startup Seres still leads the company's research and development (R&D) and the team is currently working on next-generation battery technology and new car model, said the company’s newly appointed co-CEO James Taylor.
As early as 2016 when Seres set up office in the United States, it decided to develop core technologies of EVs based on the technology highlands of Silicon Valley, said Taylor.
After three years of cultivation, the American company of Seres has formed a globalized development layout in four countries with Silicon Valley as the core, and independently completed R&D of electric-drive core technologies such as the motor, electric control and batteries, noted Taylor.
More than 1,000 technological achievements of the company are applying for or have received technical patents in China or in the U.S., according to Taylor.
Taylor also disclosed he will meet with other U.S. automobile makers to discuss feasibility of cooperation in the field of automobile electrification.
Prior to joining Seres, Taylor had served as senior executive of General Motors and led the innovative design and technology upgrading of the new model of Cadillac, which contributed to the revival of the brand. He is determined to bring efficient management to Seres and lift the company's development in the U.S. to a higher level.
Responding to the previous media reports that the company has laid off 90 employees at its Silicon Valley office, Taylor said only 47 jobs were cut across the U.S. and it was the necessary adjustment according to the company’s new business plan and evolving market conditions.
He said "Seres has decided to delay the launch of the production version of the SF5 crossover in the U.S. market as uncertainties of the U.S. auto market remained, and the company will focus on the launch of the product in China." When the market condition turns favorable, the model will be launched in the U.S.
Formerly known as SF Motors, Seres is the EV unit of China's Chongqing Sokon Industry Group (Sokon). Founded in 2016, the company is poised to become a serious competitor to U.S. EV giant Tesla in China with plans to expand globally, including the U.S. market.
(Edited by Yang Qi, kateqiyang@xinhua.org)
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