Shanghai (ZXZC)- HOZON Auto, the Chinese startup owning the new energy vehicle (NEV) brand NETA, on Jan. 10 inked an agreement with CATL (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. ("CATL Intelligent Tech"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CATL, for the CIIC (CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis) project, according to a post on NETA's WeChat account.

The cooperation makes NETA the first Chinese startup-owned auto brand to research the CIIC technology. 

Photo credit: HOZON Auto

Under the agreement, HOZON Auto and CATL Intelligent Tech will leverage their respective resources to co-develop the CIIC skateboard chassis. The first NETA-branded model equipped with the CIIC chassis is expected for launch as early as the end of 2024.

The CIIC skateboard chassis integrates battery packs, electric motors, and other critical units into a single layer at the bottom of the vehicle, lowering purchasing cost and energy consumption while maximizing cabin space.

HOZON Auto said it expects the CIIC technology to make NETA-branded vehicle reach a higher level in range, safety, intelligent driving, and other aspects.

In addition, both parties intend to explore innovations in more business models based on new product forms.

The latest move indicated the duo’s partnership has been further deepened after they struck a deal in Nov. 2021, under which the two companies would conduct all-around strategic cooperation in technology R&D and supply chain. Notably, CATL also joined the D2 funding round of HOZON Auto.