On February 21, a significant collaboration was officially set in motion between two titans of their respective industries – SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and Huawei Technologies Co., LtdThis momentous agreement was signed in Shanghai, heralding a new chapter in the evolution of smart electric vehicles, focusing on creating innovative solutions that enhance the mobility experience for end-users.

The collaboration is set to encompass a vast array of fields including product definition, manufacturing, supply chain management, and sales servicesThe overarching goal is to combine SAIC’s extensive automotive experience with Huawei’s cutting-edge technological prowess to deliver smart electric vehicles that resonate with the burgeoning demand for intelligent transportation solutions.

The Luminaries Behind the Initiative

In a ceremony steeped in genuine excitement, notable figures from both companies were present, including Wang Xiaoqiu, the chairman of SAIC, and Yu Chengdong, Huawei's executive director and the chairman of its terminal business group, who notably oversees the intelligent vehicle solutions unitThe contract was formally executed by Jia Jianxu, the president of SAIC, alongside Wang Yanmin, the president of Huawei’s vehicle business division.

SAIC is not just a major player in the automotive sector; it stands as one of China’s largest comprehensive automotive enterprises, encompassing vehicle manufacturing, parts production, mobility services, finance, international operations, and innovative technologyIts commitment lies in delivering state-of-the-art vehicles paired with top-quality services, illustrated by their launch of seven major technological platforms focused on electric and hybrid vehicles, alongside their significant advancements in battery technology and intelligent systems.

Contrastingly, Huawei, a global leader in ICT infrastructure and smart terminal solutions, brings a wealth of expertise in core technologies across the automotive sector

Advertisements

With a focus on enabling smart mobility through innovations in autonomous driving, intelligent cockpits, and software-defined vehicles, Huawei has gained traction in the market with its impressive lineup of smart automobiles.

Together, this collaboration implies a deeper integration of the two companies’ teams, fostering an environment ripe for technological innovation and the creation of new business models that are essential in competing on a global scaleThe ultimate children of this partnership are expected to be intelligent vehicles that offer security, efficiency, and modern connectivity for a seamless travel experience.

The Rising Demand for Intelligent Vehicles

The automotive landscape in recent years has seen an impressive shift towards electric and smart vehiclesIndustry experts have highlighted that the first half of the new energy vehicle (NEV) paradigm was characterized by electrification, while the latter half will be defined by intelligenceA report by Guotou Securities pointed out that smart driving capabilities have rapidly become a crucial factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions, with a staggering 54% of respondents in a McKinsey survey affirming that smart features are key when considering new energy vehicles.

The allure of Huawei’s advanced intelligence technologies has undoubtedly caught the attention of various car manufacturersBrands such as Seres, BAIC, Chery, and JAC have leveraged the HarmonyOS smart mobility framework to launch their 'Four Realms' brandAdditionally, in 2024, Huawei is anticipated to sign agreements with Dongfeng's Mengshi and Lantu brands, BYD’s Fangchengbao, and GAC Group.

In an exciting development, on the same day, BYD alongside Huawei, officially launched the Fangchengbao Leopard 5 intelligent driving version, with its price ranging from ¥239,800 to ¥329,800, further exemplifying the market's growing appetite for smart vehicles.

Moreover, there had been rumors surrounding an earlier potential partnership between SAIC and Huawei utilizing a smart car selection model under the ‘Shangjie’ brand

Advertisements

Advertisements

Advertisements

Advertisements