Chery, a prominent Chinese automaker, is set to introduce a smart driving system on its budget-friendly models, taking a cue from the recent move made by BYD to make smart driving accessible across its entire lineup. Reports suggest that Chery’s entry-level electric model, the Little Ant, will be equipped with a smart driving system based on the Qualcomm 8620 platform.
The upgraded Little Ant will feature advanced functionalities such as highway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) and memory parking capabilities, positioning it to compete directly with BYD’s Seagull Smart Driving Edition. This move by Chery signifies a shift towards democratizing smart driving technology, as the Little Ant is currently priced at just RMB 59,900 ($8,270) in China, making it one of the most affordable models in Chery’s portfolio.
BYD recently unveiled its vehicle intelligence strategy, announcing plans to incorporate smart driving features across all its models, including those priced under RMB 100,000. The company rolled out Smart Driving Edition updates to 21 models, with the Seagull Smart Driving Edition being the most affordable option, priced between RMB 69,800 to RMB 85,800.
Chery’s decision to integrate a smart driving system in models priced below RMB 60,000 underscores its commitment to making advanced technology accessible to a wider audience. Leveraging the Qualcomm 8620 chip platform, Chery aims to differentiate itself from competitors like BYD by offering a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance.
As China gears up for the era of smart driving in 2025, competition in the automotive industry is expected to intensify, with a focus on data ecology and user experience. Chery, known for its robust sales performance, sold a record 2,603,916 vehicles in 2024 and exceeded RMB 480 billion in annual revenue for the first time. The company’s emphasis on new energy vehicles (NEVs) is evident, with a 232.7 percent year-on-year increase in NEV sales in 2024.
In addition to its domestic success, Chery also made significant strides in the international market, exporting over 1.1 million vehicles in 2024. With a strong focus on innovation and affordability, Chery is poised to make a mark in the smart driving segment and continue its trajectory of growth and success in the automotive industry.
