According to Caixin, Huawei will be the next to challenge Tesla in autonomous driving, and it is well-positioned for partnerships because of its dual competence in software and hardware.
For Tesla, the bad news just keeps getting worse. This week, it was revealed that Hertz, which previously garnered attention for purchasing a sizable number of electric vehicles for its fleet, was selling off a large portion of its used EV fleet to revert to using internal combustion engines. The business was also closing its Berlin plant.
In addition, Caixin reported at the end of the week that Huawei is now trying to overtake Tesla in the battle for driverless vehicles.
As the research points out, many companies are fighting for a piece of the potentially enormous market as the search for self-driving car technology heats up. In an attempt to take the lead in intelligent driving, Huawei has entered the race by unveiling a venture centered on intelligent automotive systems and components, including a high-end electric SUV.
Leading the drive in the largest auto market globally is Tesla Inc., which is battling against major multinational automakers, startups, and tech behemoths. Intelligent driving is the “pearl in the crown,” with a potential revenue of a trillion yuan, according to Wu Gansha, co-founder and CEO of Uisee Technology Ltd., a driverless solutions business, in a recent event.
According to Caixin, autonomous vehicle development began in March 2004 with DARPA’s $1 million challenge, in which 15 robotic vehicles attempted to travel 142 miles across challenging California terrain; however, none of them were able to complete the course. Even though autonomous vehicles are still in the early stages of development, the economic potential is too great to ignore.
The analysis projects that China will account for $230 billion in sales of driverless vehicles by 2030, making it the industry leader worldwide. Huawei’s arrival into the market heats competition because the industry depends heavily on data, processing power, and substantial resources.
Volkswagen cars will now come with ChatGPT on all of VW’s models for more realistic communication between the vehicle and the driver.
While cost, performance, and safety are difficult to balance for engineers, coming up with original products is difficult. It is anticipated that the industry will merge, similar to how iOS and Android control the majority of mobile operating systems.
Companies must decide whether to work together or individually to develop autonomous technology as the race heats up. Many, like SAIC Motor Corp., first chose internal development. Others, like Volkswagen AG, have had to reevaluate due to the exorbitant expenses and complex requirements.
Huawei is well-positioned for partnerships because of its dual competence in software and hardware, including smart driving processors and sensors. This platform makes it a competitive R&D option for carmakers who lack resources. The industry’s changing dynamics and the increasing significance of partnerships in attaining improvements in autonomous driving are reflected in this trend toward collaboration.
Tesla will therefore need to keep an eye out for Huawei in the other rearview mirror while keeping one eye out for BYD.
