SAIC Motor has officially confirmed its partnership with Huawei to develop intelligent new energy vehicles (NEVs), the automaker announced on Wednesday. The collaboration, which had been the subject of speculation, was formalized with an agreement signed in Shanghai on February 21.
Under the partnership, SAIC and Huawei will cooperate in product definition, manufacturing, supply chain management, and sales and services. “This strategic collaboration aims to deliver cutting-edge smart mobility solutions and develop globally competitive smart vehicles,” SAIC said in a statement. The agreement was signed by Jia Jianxu, president of SAIC, and Wang Yanmin, president of Huawei’s Zhixuan business unit, in the presence of SAIC Chairman Wang Xiaoqiu and Huawei’s Richard Yu.
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While SAIC did not disclose further details, Chinese media reports have suggested the two companies will establish a new automotive brand named Shangjie (尚界). The brand will focus on a younger demographic, with vehicle prices expected to range from $23,460 to $34,500, according to a report from 36kr. The first model is expected to be based on a design from SAIC’s sub-brand Roewe, with a starting price of approximately $20,700, local media outlet Yicai reported on February 17.
Huawei’s HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) business has already launched four brands—Aito with Seres, Luxeed with Chery, Stelato with BAIC, and Maextro with JAC.
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The SAIC partnership would mark Huawei’s fifth collaboration under this model, which provides automakers with full-stack smart car solutions, including smart cockpits and autonomous driving technology. Vehicles under the new brand will be sold through HIMA’s existing sales channels.