Shanghai (ZXZC)- Huawei and GAC Aion, the NEV arm of GAC Group, have started cooperation on the development of next-generation intelligent EVs, a local media channel reported earlier this week.

After being reached for comment, GAC Group said it had inked cooperation agreements with Huawei twice since 2017, and the progress for the new project will be announced in due course. Huawei said it will play a role as a technical partner and component supplier for the partnership.

Prior to the disclosure of the cooperation, Huawei Device Co.,Ltd., a subsidiary of Huawei, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on March 8 with Chongqing Sokon Industry Group Stock Co.,Ltd. (Sokon), a Chongqing-based vehicle and auto parts manufacturer, to co-explore cooperation on new energy vehicle (NEV) business.

Under the MoU, both parties will make joint efforts to advance NEV collaboration by accumulating technologies, building resource channels and sharing industrial experience. Besides, they intend to co-develop intelligent mobility solutions with high performance so as to afford users more efficient and convenient intelligent automotive products and smart travelling experience.

The signing of the MoU came after Sokon revealed in Jan. that it had formed tie-up with Huawei on such business as NEV-related core components (battery, electric motor and ECU), smart cockpit and intelligent driving.

On Jan. 25, SERES, the NEV unit of Sokon, announced the all-new intelligent range extender system dubbed “Tuofeng” (meaning “hump”) it jointly develops with Huawei and unveiled in the meantime the SERES SF5 Free Expedition Edition, the EV model powered by the system. This is also the first model equipped with Huawei's Drive ONE three-in-one electric drive system.