BYD has established a new division aimed at accelerating its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and large models, focusing on enhancing vehicle intelligence. According to local media reports, the company has launched an advanced technology research and development (R&D) center, which includes divisions dedicated to AI, AI supercomputing, and big data platforms.
The new R&D center, which opened in September, is designed to drive advancements in AI algorithms, AI infrastructure, and large models. Its primary goal is to provide technical support for BYD’s smart driving, smart cockpit, and Dual Mode businesses.
Currently employing approximately 500 people, the center plans to expand its workforce to over 1,000 as it develops its capabilities in areas like computing power, algorithm development, and data labeling. The center will collaborate with other departments within BYD’s vehicle intelligence division, as well as businesses involved in insurance and customer service.
The formation of this new division underscores BYD’s growing focus on software and algorithms, particularly with the launch of its Xuanji Architecture in January. This architecture, which serves as the core of BYD’s vehicle intelligence systems, integrates AI, cloud-based services, 5G, and satellite networks to enhance the company’s offerings. BYD has committed to investing RMB 100 billion ($13.7 billion) in intelligence technologies to strengthen its leadership in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector.
The company’s push into smart driving features is expected to play a key role in driving future sales growth, especially as the impact of price advantages diminishes. As part of its strategy, BYD plans to roll out smart driving variants for all its models in 2024, including the Seagull and Yangwang U8.
