Shanghai (ZXZC)- On April 25, the Auto China 2024 kicked off in Beijing, where GAC Group made a strong showcase with its five major automotive brands and unveiled two new models under GAC Motor (or GAC Trumpchi) and GAC AION, its two major self-owned passenger vehicle brands.

GAC Group launching Smart Mobility 2027 action plan; photo credit: GAC Group

In the meantime, GAC Group introduced its "Smart Mobility 2027" plan. Building on its existing strengths in intelligent technology field, the initiative aims to advance its upgrade of intelligent driving and smart cockpit systems, as well as develop comprehensive intelligent mobility solutions, positioning GAC at the forefront of product experience and transportation scenarios.

Second-generation AION V; photo credit: GAC Group

As one of the main new energy vehicle makers in China, GAC AION launched its first globally-oriented strategic model, the second-generation AION V, at the splendid auto show.

The second-generation AION V not only preserves the excellent qualities of traditional cars but also incorporates 23 groundbreaking technologies. It features a self-evolving AI cockpit and boasts an extensive 750km driving range in a wide temperature range.

Additionally, to accelerate its globalization and enhance global brand recognition, GAC AION has fully adopted the AION letter badge. The second-generation AION V, set to be the first model to bear this new badge, will hit the market globally in July 2024.

GAC Trumpchi, Huawei launching co-innovation plan; photo credit: GAC Group

Meanwhile, GAC Trumpchi presented its latest advancements in transitioning to a high-quality new energy technology enterprise. The collaboration between GAC Trumpchi and Huawei has been deepened, with the launch of the "Trumpchi-Huawei Co-innovation" plan, which focuses on deep cooperation in intelligent chassis and intelligent human-machine interaction among other areas. Trumpchi is set to be the first brand to equip its full range of sedans, SUVs, and MPVs with Huawei's latest intelligent technologies, such as the Qiankun intelligent driving system and HarmonyOS cockpit, with the first vehicle expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2025.

Furthermore, GAC Trumpchi introduced a comprehensive, all-scenario solution called "EV+" at the auto show. Following this initiative, the 2024 Trumpchi E9 PHEV was released with two new editions added. A high-end tailor-made four-seater version of the Trumpchi E9, co-created with a premium German automotive custom brand, also started pre-sales.

Additionally, the family MPV, the Trumpchi M6 MAX, made its appearance at the show, equipped as standard with the HiCar smart interconnection system that seamlessly integrates smartphones with the vehicle's system.

2024 Hyper HT; photo credit: GAC Group

It is also noteworthy that GAC AION's premium brand Hyper made its independent debut at the Auto China, showcasing its 2024 Hyper HT. This model features global navigation free of HD map, a long 825km range, and 800V super-fast charging capabilities.

Aside from the heavyweight products introduced by the GAC Trumpchi and GAC AION, other subsidiaries like GAC Honda and GAC Toyota are also accelerating the implementation of intelligent technologies, introducing full-electric models equipped with cutting-edge smart technologies.

Level 2++ NDA functions applied in Hyper's models; photo credit: GAC Group

At the Auto China 2024, GAC Group unveiled its ambitious "Smart Mobility 2027" action plan, which is set to strengthen three major technological pillars over the next three years: the "GAC AI Large Model Platform," "GAC Xingling Electronic and Electrical Architecture," and the "GAC Connected Big Data Platform." These initiatives aim to rapidly enhance the group's development of intelligent driving and smart cockpit technologies, significantly improving the user experience with GAC products.

As an early adopter of Internet of Vehicles (IoV) technology, GAC Group was the first in China to achieve the installation of T-Box onto a production model’s IoV system in 2013. In 2019, the company introduced the first domestically produced Level 2+ vehicle model, and in 2020, it launched the AION V, the world’s first model to support 5G-V2X.

In 2024, a critical year for the development of intelligent driving technology, GAC Group's ADiGO PILOT intelligent driving system achieved industry-leading advancements in "multi-sensor fusion" and "map-free pure vision" technologies, which operate independently of high-definition maps and allow for navigation-enabled-alone driving. The Level 2++ map-free urban NDA function, based on "multi-sensor fusion" technology, has been integrated into Hyper’s car models and is expected to achieve nationwide coverage by the end of 2024; the map-free pure vision smart drive system is slated for installation in vehicles by 2026, significantly lowering the operational costs of advanced intelligent driving and achieving equitable access to smart driving technology.

Additionally, GAC is currently conducting extensive tests of its Level 3 autonomous vehicles in Guangzhou, with plans for mass production next year. By 2026, the more versatile L3+ autonomous driving products will enter production, and by 2027, GAC aims to introduce user-oriented Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.

In another critical area that impacts the user experience of smart vehicles—the smart cockpit—GAC Group has been investing efforts for many years. This year, the group is set to mass-produce the "GAC Device-to-Cloud Integrated Large Model Intelligence System." This system will equip the cockpit with both vehicle and cloud processing capabilities, tripling response speeds and doubling interactive capabilities, thereby enhancing a more personalized and user-aware smart interaction experience.

In contrast to traditional large models that cannot retrieve information in real-time, GAC's advanced model is capable of accessing and processing massive amounts of real-time information, enabling instant responses that are both informative and visually rich, said the group. By 2025, GAC expects its in-car space interaction system to overcome traditional screen limitations by introducing mixed-reality interactions. By 2026, the group plans to establish a comprehensive operational system that integrates entertainment, vehicle-to-home connectivity, and health services. By 2027, GAC intends to lead the market with fully intelligent, proactive emotional interactions in all scenarios, achieving a leading edge in product experience.

To create richer three-dimensional travel scenarios, particularly in conjunction with developing the urban air mobility sector, GAC Group is exploring how to better integrate flying cabins with automobile designs, accelerating the industrialization of the "flight + car" model. The plan includes launching a flying car demonstration operation scheme by 2027 in 2-3 cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, setting a benchmark for intercity three-dimensional mobility services. By 2027, GAC Group also aims to help forge a "1-hour Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area life circle" through a full-chain of intelligent travel solutions.

To ensure the smooth sales and operation of its heavyweight strategic model launch plan and the implementation of the "Smart Mobility 2027" plan, GAC Group will increase investments in building an intelligent ecosystem, as well as in R&D and talent pool construction.

GAC AION, DiDi annoucing establishment of joint venture; photo credit: GAC Group

Currently, GAC Group is actively collaborating with leading industry players to build a robust "Intelligence Friend Circle." Besides establishing Andi Technology with DiDi, GAC Group, in partnership with iFLYTEK three years ago, formed Xinghe Zhilian, which has already launched several innovative products. Additionally, GAC continues to deepen its collaborations with tech giants such as Huawei and Tencent in developing new mobility ecosystems and intelligent connected services, and with NVIDIA on pioneering the mass production of next-generation Level 4 autonomous vehicles by 2025.

Moreover, the strategic focus on developing the humanoid robot industry, recognized as a national priority with extensive potential, is being actively pursued by GAC Group. The company is working with leading global firms to explore promising applications of humanoid robots in areas such as intelligent manufacturing, automotive aftermarket services, and smart living.

GAC Group also stated that it would gradually complete a sophisticated intelligent industrial ecosystem covering autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, data platforms, and humanoid robots, pushing forward aggressively with the implementation of its intelligent strategies.

Moreover, substantial investments in R&D and talent recruitment provide a strong foundation for GAC Group's push towards comprehensive intelligence. The group has initiated a 30-billion-yuan industry development fund dedicated to investing in intelligent connected and new energy vehicle sectors, aiming to promote collaborative development across the entire supply chain. In the future, GAC will continue to ramp up its investment in R&D. Regarding talent development, GAC said it adheres to a strategy of attracting, employing, and nurturing, aiming to build teams of strategic scientists, technology leaders, and high-quality innovative teams to drive its initiatives forward.