Huawei has deepened its partnership with Changan Automobile’s electric vehicle subsidiary, Avatr Technology, by deploying a team of nearly 300 employees to the automaker’s headquarters in Chongqing, Chinese media outlet The Beijing News reported on Monday.
The collaboration follows an agreement signed in December to enhance joint efforts in product development, marketing strategies, and user insights for Avatr’s second-generation EV lineup. The expanded partnership is reportedly an upgraded version of Huawei’s “HI” (Huawei Inside) model, known as “HI Plus,” under which Avatr retains control over product definition and marketing while leveraging Huawei’s smart driving and cockpit technologies.
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Avatr has recently registered the Chinese trademark “Tajie” (塔界), which some reports suggest could be the sixth brand under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). However, another Chinese media outlet, Yicai, citing Huawei insiders, refuted any connection between Avatr’s new trademark and the HIMA initiative.
Initially established as Changan Nio in 2018, Avatr was a joint venture between Changan and Nio, each holding a 50% stake. However, Nio has since exited the company’s shareholder list. Avatr’s current EV lineup includes the Avatr 11, Avatr 12, and Avatr 07, all featuring Huawei’s intelligent vehicle technologies.
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Huawei operates three distinct EV collaboration models, with its HIMA initiative representing the deepest level of involvement, including brand co-creation. The Chinese tech giant has already partnered with Seres Group for Aito, Chery for Luxeed, BAIC for Stelato, and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC) for Maextro under HIMA.
On February 21, SAIC Motor officially announced its strategic alliance with Huawei, confirming reports that the two companies would jointly establish a new automotive brand, tentatively named Shangjie (尚界).