Former GM senior executive James Taylor takes over as co-CEO of Seres

Former General Motors senior executive James Taylor has just taken the office as co-CEO of China’s electric vehicle (EV) startup Seres, and he introduced the company’s new adjustments and plans to a visiting group from China’s Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.

“The Silicon Valley team still leads the company's research and development (R&D) despite the elimination of 17 positions, and the team is currently working on next-generation battery technology and new car model,” said 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 globalised 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.”

More than 1,000 technological achievements of the company are applying for or have received technical patents in China or in the US, according to Taylor. He also disclosed that he will meet with other US automobile makers to discuss feasibility of cooperation in the field of automobile electrification.

When serving as a senior executive of General Motors, Taylor led the innovative design and technology upgrading of the new model of Cadillac, which contributed to the revival of the brand.

Responding to the previous media reports that the company has laid off 90 employees at its Silicon Valley office, Taylor explained only 47 jobs were cut across the US, and it was the necessary adjustment according to the company's new business plan and evolving market conditions.

He added: “Seres has decided to delay the launch of the production version of the SF5 crossover in the US as uncertainties of the US auto market remain, 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 US.”

Formerly known as SF Motors, Seres is the EV unit of China's Chongqing Sokon Industry Group (Sokon)