- Chinese EV giant BYD has partnered with Huawei to integrate its advanced Qiankun intelligent driving system into the Bao 8 SUV.
- This strategic move aims to elevate BYD’s brand positioning and increase sales of its premium models, which currently represent only 5% of its total sales.
OUR TAKE
As someone closely following the EV industry, I see this partnership as a significant step for BYD to enhance its premium offerings and stay competitive. Integrating Huawei’s advanced autonomous driving system not only bolsters BYD’s technological prowess but also positions the company as a leading innovator within the EV sector.
–Vicky Wu, BTW reporter
What happened
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has entered into a partnership with technology conglomerate Huawei to integrate the latter’s advanced autonomous driving system into its off-road Fangchengbao EVs. The agreement, announced on Tuesday, marks the first time BYD will utilise Huawei’s Qiankun intelligent driving system, which will debut in the Bao 8 SUV, set to launch later this year. This move underscores BYD’s strategy to elevate its brand positioning and increase sales of its premium models, including Denza, Fangchengbao, and Yangwang, which currently account for just 5% of the company’s total sales.
The Bao 8 SUV, equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun intelligent driving system, is set to become a flagship model in BYD’s premium lineup. The integration of Huawei’s technology is expected to significantly enhance the driving experience, offering advanced safety features and autonomous capabilities. The partnership with Huawei is part of BYD’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the premium EV market, where it aims to compete more effectively against rivals. The use of Huawei’s advanced autonomous driving system is a clear indication of BYD’s commitment to innovation and technology leadership in the EV sector.
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Why it’s important
The partnership underscores the competitive landscape in the EV market, where companies such as BYD are seeking to enhance their vehicles with advanced features to match those of rivals. Despite dominating the EV market with a significant cost advantage due to its vertical integration strategy, BYD faces pressure to incorporate smarter driving configurations. The use of Huawei’s technology signals BYD’s efforts to catch up in the autonomous driving domain, where it has been investing heavily in developing its own advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Furthermore, the collaboration with BYD is not the only instance of Huawei entering into partnerships with automakers. Volkswagen’s Audi is also planning to use Huawei’s ADAS in its EVs for the China market, indicating that the Chinese tech giant is becoming a preferred supplier for autonomous driving technologies among international car manufacturers.
