China's Huawei Launches Qiankun: A New Software Brand for Intelligent Driving

Huawei launches Qiankun, a new software brand for intelligent driving. Qiankun aims to provide self-driving systems for cars, including the driving chassis, audio, and driver's seat. Huawei predicts over 500,000 cars equipped with its self-driving system by the end of 2024.

Credit: REUTERS

Chinese tech giant Huawei has made its latest move to establish itself as a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry by unveiling a new software brand for intelligent driving. The brand, called Qiankun, aims to provide self-driving systems that encompass the driving chassis, audio, and driver's seat. Jin Yuzhi, CEO of Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solution (IAS) business unit, made the announcement during an event preceding the Beijing auto show.

Qiankun, which symbolises a combination of heaven and the Kunlun Mountains, is set to revolutionise the smart driving landscape. Jin predicts that by the end of 2024, over 500,000 cars equipped with Huawei's self-driving system will be on the road, marking the first year of mass commercialisation for smart driving. Additionally, he expects more than 10 car models incorporating Huawei's Qiankun system to hit the market within a year.

Huawei's foray into the EV industry began in 2019 when it launched its smart car unit. The company aimed to become the equivalent of German automotive supplier Bosch in the intelligent EV era, providing software and components to partners. In November, Huawei announced plans to spin off its smart car unit into a new company, which would receive core technologies and resources and secure investments from partners like automaker Changan Auto.

Huawei has already partnered with several Chinese automakers and introduced seven EV models to the market. These models include three Aito brand vehicles developed in collaboration with Seres, the Luxeed S7 sedan co-developed with Chery, two models backed by Changan Auto's Avatr, and one model under Beijing Automotive Group's (BAIC) Arcfox brand. Recently, Huawei also unveiled the S9 sedan, the first model under its premium Stelato brand, which it launched in partnership with BAIC.

The expansion into the EV market comes at a time when China's auto industry is facing challenges such as slowing sales momentum and overcapacity concerns. With more than 40 brands competing for consumer attention, Huawei-backed Aito has offered discounts of up to 20,000 yuan ($2,760) on its new M7 SUVs until the end of April, intensifying the price war in the world's largest auto market.

Huawei's Qiankun software brand for intelligent driving is poised to make a significant impact in the EV industry. With ambitious plans for mass commercialisation and partnerships with major automakers, Huawei is positioning itself as a key player in the future of smart mobility.

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• Huawei launches Qiankun, a new software brand for intelligent driving

• Qiankun aims to provide self-driving systems for cars, including the driving chassis, audio, and driver's seat

• Huawei predicts over 500,000 cars equipped with its self-driving system by the end of 2024

Source: REUTERS