The three electric vehicle brands co-developed by Huawei Technologies' Harmony Intelligence Mobility Alliance and Chinese carmakers have released updates featuring new or improved smart functions.
The new version of the Aito M9 under the Aito EV brand, co-developed by HIMA and Seres Group, was unveiled at an event held by Huawei yesterday. The sports utility vehicle includes new features, such as gesture-controlled door opening and the Huawei Advanced Driving System 3.3, despite remaining priced between CNY469,800 and CNY569,800 (USD64,830 and USD78,630).
"In the third quarter, we will upgrade the advanced intelligent driving system of all versions of the new M9 to Huawei ADS 4," said Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solutions Business Unit.
Huawei also released the new version of the Aito M5 yesterday, which is now equipped with advanced intelligent driving, even though its starting price was lowered by CNY20,000 (USD2,760) from last year's version. Deliveries are expected to start next month.
Moreover, Huawei revealed that presales of the Aito M8, which kicked off on March 6, have already exceeded 70,000 units. Deliveries are also expected to begin in April.
The extended-range version of the Stelato S9 under the Stelato brand, co-developed by HIMA and BAIC Bluepark New Energy Technology, began presales yesterday, with prices around CNY300,000.
For the Luxeed brand, a collaboration between Chery Automobile and HIMA, Huawei announced that renowned actress Liu Yifei has become brand ambassador. It also confirmed that orders for the Luxeed R7 have exceeded 80,000 units.
The intelligence updates announced by Huawei across its EV brands indicate that the competition in the Chinese automotive market for intelligence features is becoming fiercer and fiercer.
At least 10 carmakers have unveiled plans to equip their 2025 lineups with intelligent driving systems. For example, BYD said on Feb. 12 that it would equip all its new energy vehicle models with its newly launched advanced autonomous driving system God's Eye this year, including those priced as low as CNY69,800.
"HIMA has made substantial research and development investments in intelligent driving technology," Yu said earlier. "If a car equipped with Huawei ADS is priced below CNY300,000, it is being sold at a loss."
As the Chinese auto industry accelerates the democratization of intelligent driving technology, HIMA faces increasing challenges. In February, it slipped out of China's top 10 NEV seller ranking after its sales fell to 21,500 units from 35,000 in January.
