Chinese EV Startup Postpones U.S. Launch Plans

Chongqing Sokon Industry Group’s Seres electric vehicle unit is delaying next year’s planned U.S. launch of its SF5 SUV/crossover vehicle.

The vehicle, Seres’ first model, goes on sale this year in China. An updated timeframe for the U.S. introduction wasn’t provided.

Jim Taylor, who was appointed co-CEO of Seres in May, cites ongoing “uncertainties” in the U.S. auto market as reasons for the delay.

Seres also says that it has laid off 47 people from its U.S. operations, including 17 of the company’s 300-person Silicon Valley research center. Previous reports indicated as many as 90 people will be dismissed.

In 2017, Seres (then known as SF Motors) purchased a former AM General SUV plant in Mishawaka, Ind., and was investing $160 million to convert it to EV production. It isn’t clear what will happen to that facility now.

Taylor says he plans to meet with American carmakers about potential partnerships but didn’t elaborate. Prior to joining Seres, Taylor was chief sales and marketing officer of Karma Automotive. He previously spent 30 years at General Motors—including stints leading the company’s Cadillac and Hummer units—and headed EV startup Workhorse Group (formerly Amp) and Canadian logistics company Axios.

The midsize SF5 features a 90-kWh battery that provides more than 300 miles of driving range between charges, according to the carmaker. The vehicle’s electric motors generate 684 hp and 767 lb-ft of torque.