China’s electric vehicle market has a new player as GAC Group and Huawei unveiled GAC Huawei Qijing, a premium EV brand. The name Qijing means “Enlightened Realm.” GAC created a separate company to run it and promised to give the brand its best resources. Huawei will send top engineers and install its Qiankun intelligent driving and cockpit technology in every car.
Huawei has always said it will not build cars itself. Instead, it works with automakers in three main ways. Sometimes it acts as a parts supplier. In other cases, it provides a full smart vehicle suite called “Huawei Inside.” Its most famous role comes under the “smart selection” model, where it helps define, design, and even sell vehicles. This deep cooperation produced brands such as Aito with Seres, Luxeed with Chery, and Stelato with BAIC.
Qijing is different. It follows a new model described as “automaker-led with Huawei’s deep involvement.” GAC keeps more control over design and brand direction while still using Huawei’s advanced systems. This setup solves concerns from automakers worried about losing identity when partnering with Huawei.
GAC and Huawei have tried to work together before. In 2021, they announced plans to build Level 4 autonomous cars by 2024, but the project collapsed. They renewed the partnership in November 2024. By January 2025, they had created a joint company called GH with RMB 1.5 billion (€179 million) in funding.
The first Qijing model will not arrive until 2026. Both partners see the brand as a test of a new collaboration style. As cars rely more on software and intelligent systems, GAC Huawei Qijing may shape the future of how automakers and tech firms work together.
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