For several weeks, Huawei has been looking for investors for its newly created automotive division. According to information from Reuters, the Chinese firm has approached Mercedes and Audi in particular, offering to integrate its autonomous driving system into the manufacturers’ cars. Audi would also have been very interested.
Huawei’s interest in electric cars is not new. And neither is his intention to court European manufacturers. Last May, we already learned that the Chinese firm was courting Volkswagen to try to establish a partnership aimed at producing vehicles together. But things have changed a lot since then. Notably last November, when Huawei announced the launch of a new company, entirely dedicated to the development of software for electric cars.
The company has also opted for an unusual strategy in the sector: approaching other players in the industry to obtain investments. Some Chinese manufacturers, notably Changan, have already responded to the call. But Huawei is also aiming for more, particularly within Europe, according to information from Reuters. Thus, Mercedes and Audi would have been contacted to request their participation within this new entity.
Audi would be interested in Huawei’s autonomous driving system
In addition, Audi could well respond favorably to this proposal. It must be said that the manufacturer has been seeking to establish a lasting presence in the Chinese market for several years, in particular by offering exclusive features to its drivers. Huawei’s call is therefore timely, since it would allow Audi to benefit from its autonomous driving system. For now, however, neither company has confirmed the signing of an agreement.
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Things would also be more complicated on the Mercedes side. The timing does not really work in Huawei’s favor, since the manufacturer has already made known its desire to control the entire production chain of its vehicles. The integration of Huawei tools would therefore contradict this strategy. Enough to put a spoke in the wheels of the Chinese firm, which is very clearly seeking to consolidate its position on the Old Continent, if only to avoid new sanctions.
Source: Reuters