Japanese automaker Honda is looking to collaborate with Chinese tech giant Huawei in the smart driving space, with plans to incorporate Huawei’s smart driving solution on its Ye brand vehicles, according to a report by local media outlet 36kr. This collaboration could potentially see the same model under the Ye brand being offered with variants equipped with Honda Sensing 360+ as well as variants featuring Huawei’s smart driving technology.
Honda introduced its new EV brand, Ye, in China in April 2024, marking its third brand in the country dedicated to the electric vehicle market after e:N and Lingxi. The Ye brand aims to cater to the needs of Chinese consumers and will be based on Honda’s all-electric Architecture W platform. The brand unveiled three new models – Ye P7, Ye S7, and Ye GT, with plans to launch the first two by the end of 2024 and the third in 2025. However, delays in the launch of Ye P7 and Ye S7 have been attributed to marketing, communication, and smart technology issues not meeting the expectations of Honda’s Japanese shareholders.
To address the challenges of commercializing autonomous driving technology quickly, the Ye brand is considering incorporating Huawei’s smart driving solution. The brand’s supplier list includes CATL, Huawei, and iFlytek, with the smart cockpit featuring AR-HUD-like display technology developed in collaboration with Huawei. Many automotive brands in China are turning to Huawei’s technology for a competitive edge in the new energy vehicle (NEV) market.
With Huawei’s smart driving solution, Honda aims to enhance its capabilities in intelligence and technology. Despite facing stiff competition from local EV manufacturers in China, Honda is determined to establish a presence in the NEV market. The automaker recently inaugurated NEV plants in collaboration with Dongfeng Motor and GAC Group, with both plants designed to have an annual capacity of 120,000 units.
The potential collaboration between Honda and Huawei in the smart driving space signifies a strategic move by the Japanese automaker to leverage advanced technology and cater to the evolving needs of consumers in the rapidly growing NEV market in China. This partnership could pave the way for innovative solutions in smart mobility and autonomous driving, positioning Honda as a key player in the future of electric vehicles.
