Huawei Launches Two New Smart-Vehicle JV Brands with GAC & Dongfeng
Tech giant Huawei has unveiled two new smart-vehicle brands, Qijing and Yijing, in partnership with Chinese automakers GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) and Dongfeng Motor Group. The move is part of Huawei’s broader “Harmony Intelligent Mobility” push under its Qiankun ecosystem. China Economic Review
Huawei’s auto-business journey began with its Intelligent Automotive Solution Unit in 2019, positioning the company as a supplier of smart cockpit systems, ADAS, and other core components rather than a traditional automaker. With these two JVs, Huawei is deepening that role, co-developing full smart car brands while maintaining its “no-car-making” public stance.
These brands will leverage Huawei’s technology stack, including self-driving, vehicle cloud, and cockpit solutions — while being manufactured in cooperation with GAC and Dongfeng. By integrating its ecosystem more closely with automakers, Huawei aims to scale up its intelligent mobility footprint and create richer synergies across manufacturing, R&D, and sales.
This strategy also reflects a bigger trend: Huawei is building out its own modular smart-mobility architecture, and working with established carmakers helps it reach more markets without having to set up heavy automotive production on its own.
Editor’s View
Huawei launching Qijing and Yijing via JVs is a major play, not just for smart cars, but for its overall auto-tech ambitions. Rather than building cars alone, it’s strengthening its position as a technology enabler. This gives Huawei leverage, but also lowers risk: automakers bring the manufacturing muscle, while Huawei brings the brains.
For the tyre world, this development could drive demand for next-gen materials. As more “smart” EVs and NEVs (new energy vehicles) come on board, tyres may need to evolve, with sensors, better wear resistance, and integration into vehicle systems. Tyre makers who tie up early with such smart-mobility ecosystems could gain a competitive edge.
