In a recent development, Liao Jie, the former director of smart driving research and development at Chinese chip startup Horizon Robotics, has taken on a significant role at BYD as the head of the company’s smart driving Shanghai team. This transition marks a notable move within the tech industry.
Liao began his journey at Horizon Robotics back in May 2016, where he initially served as a senior R&D engineer. His dedication and contributions led to his promotion as the director of smart driving R&D in December 2017. During his tenure at Horizon Robotics, he played a pivotal role in spearheading the development of autonomous driving algorithms, particularly for the Journey series of chips. Collaborating closely with partners, Liao focused on refining these algorithms to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
See also: Horizon Robotics and GAC AION Sign Strategic Partnership to Develop Driving Assistance Products
BYD’s foray into the realm of smart driving has been gaining momentum under the leadership of Han Bing, who took over the reins of the smart driving operations earlier this year. This strategic move has prompted an expansion of the company’s R&D team within its institute of product planning and new automotive technologies. With the team now comprising approximately 2,000 professionals, the majority are stationed at BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters. Additionally, there is a presence of engineers at the company’s R&D centres in Shanghai and Xi’an.
Significantly, BYD and Horizon Robotics share a notable association, with BYD being one of the backers of the chip startup. Their partnership, announced on April 21, 2022, revealed that BYD would incorporate Horizon Robotics’ self-driving chip, the Journey 5, into some of its 2023 vehicle models. As a result, vehicles equipped with the advanced Journey 5 chip are projected to be available as early as mid-2023.
In related news, the smart driving landscape at BYD witnessed an organizational shift. Wang Huan, the previous head of smart driving R&D at BYD’s planning institute, has reportedly departed from the company. In his place, Han, formerly the director of the electronics integration department, has taken up the mantle as the new head of the smart driving division. This strategic shift indicates the automaker’s strong commitment to advancing its self-driving capabilities, as it strives to accelerate its autonomous driving self-research initiatives.
See also: Volkswagen to invest up to 2 bln euros in a joint venture with Horizon Robotics
As BYD continues to make strides in the field of smart driving, the company’s overall performance remains impressive. Recent data released by BYD shows that the company achieved a record-breaking milestone, selling an impressive 262,161 new energy vehicles (NEVs) in July alone. This accomplishment has significantly contributed to their cumulative sales figures for January to July, surpassing the 1.5 million unit mark—half of their annual target.
