BAIC’s EV brand to launch first Huawei-backed sedan in ’24

BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology, the electric vehicle arm of Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC), is set to launch its first sedan in partnership with Huawei Technologies in 2024, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

The first model co-developed with Huawei is expected to be released in the Chinese market this year, according to BAIC BluePark.

The car will be a high-end intelligent sedan designed to meet consumers’ demand for premium mobility experiences, although specific details were not provided.

This collaboration reflects Huawei’s expanding presence in the EV industry, as the Chinese technology giant, which has been the target of U.S. sanctions since 2019, ventures into the territory of established EV manufacturers.

In late 2021, Aito, an electric vehicle brand co-founded by Huawei and carmaker Seres, surpassed Li Auto in sales for the first time in January. This was aided by the launch of the revamped M7 in September.

Additionally, Huawei has partnered with Chinese automaker Chery Auto to develop the S7 sedan under the new Luxeed brand, aiming to compete with Tesla’s Model S.

In November, Huawei announced plans to transfer its core technologies and resources in smart car operations to a new joint venture, in which automaker Changan Auto will hold up to 40 per cent ownership.

Earlier this year, a shortage of a component for the computing unit powering Huawei’s advanced driver assistance systems led to delayed deliveries of flagship models from partners such as Changan, Chery, and Seres, as reported by Reuters.