First model will cost around RMB 300,000 and feature a “new architecture and technologies”.
GAC Group has confirmed plans to create a new automotive brand in collaboration with Huawei focused on intelligent, premium, “forward-looking” vehicles.
The new brand, codenamed GH, was agreed by the board of directors on January 10th and promises to deliver new architecture and technologies, though an all-new platform does seem a bit of a stretch given the registered capital of just RMB 1.5 billion or $200 million, with most new architectures typically needing closer to $1 billion for development.
GAC Group will be responsible for the production of the vehicle while Huawei will provide the technology, which will likely include the latest autonomous system from Huawei as well as the HarmonyOS operating system.
It looks set to follow the AVATR model of operation, with Huawei not being directly involved in the business but remaining a close partner, rather than becoming part of the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), which includes Luxeed, Stelato, AITO, and Maextro.
Huawei and GAC have been working together since 2021 and previously promised to create a luxury brand together with GAC Group brand, AION, but the first model of that collaboration was brought in-house in 2023 and is believed to have become the Hyptec HL launched last November.
The partnership was officially restarted in November with the two sides agreeing to work together to develop smart NEVs (new energy vehicles) under a new brand, to add to GAC’s other brands including GAC, AION, and Hyptec, as well as the troubled Hycan which wasn’t mentioned in the statement.
The new brand could make use of both BEV and EREV technology, and may even include battery-swapping technology given GAC are part of NIO’s battery-swapping alliance.
Premium segment rivals will include brands such as AVATR, Nio, and Li Auto, as well as the HIMA brands.
