Huawei unveils software for EV segment

Within a year more than 10 car models to adopt Qiankun system: CEO

Beijing, April 24: Chinese tech company Huawei unveiled on Wednesday a new software brand for intelligent driving, marking its latest push to become a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

The new brand Qiankun, symbolising a combination of heaven and the Kunlun Mountains, plans to provide self-driving systems involving the driving chassis, audio and driver’s seat, Jin Yuzhi, chief executive officer of Huawei’s intelligent automotive solution business unit, said during an event ahead of the Beijing auto show.

“2024 will be the first year for mass commercialisation of smart driving and the cumulative number of cars on road equipped with the Huawei self-driving system will top 5,00,000 by the yearend,” Jin said.

He also expected within a year more than 10 car models adopting Huawei’s Qiankun system would hit the market.

The Shenzhen-based tech conglomerate launched its smart car unit in 2019 with the aim that it could become the equivalent of German automotive supplier Bosch of the intelligent EV era and supply software and components to partners.

Huawei said in November that the unit would be spun off into a new company which would receive the unit’s

SHENZHEN-BASED tech conglomerate launched its smart car unit in 2019 with the aim that it could become the equivalent of German automotive supplier Bosch of the intelligent EV era.

core technologies and resources and take investment from partners such as Changan Auto.

It has also unveiled seven EV models in partnership with Chinese automakers so far and they are selling well, Jin said.

They include three Aito brand models under partnership with Seres, the Luxeed S7 sedan co-developed with Chery, two models with Changan Autobacked Avatr and one with Beijing Automotive Group (Baic)-owned Arcfox.

On Tuesday, Huawei also unveiled the S9 sedan, the first model under the premium Stelato brand it launched with BAIC.

Its diversification into EVS comes amid an intensifying price war in the world’s largest auto market, which is grappling with slowing sales momentum. — Reuters

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