Shangjie, the latest automotive venture from the partnership between Huawei and SAIC Motor (SHA: 600104), has begun teasing its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) model as its anticipated fall launch draws near. The brand took to Weibo to share a poster unveiling that the first model will be an SUV (sport utility vehicle) equipped with LiDAR technology on the roof.
This announcement marks Shangjie’s first foray into the EV market since establishing its Weibo presence at the end of the previous month. The model’s design features a compact front overhang and conventional door handles, hinting at a potential affordability that sets it apart from other EV models in China.
Richard Yu, Huawei’s executive director and chairman of the consumer business group, retweeted the Weibo post and highlighted the model’s impressive smart driving capabilities. He confirmed that the Shangjie SUV is slated for release in the fall.
The unveiling of the Shangjie brand took place on April 16 during Huawei’s HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) business product launch event. The aim was to introduce the first EV model under the brand this autumn. Shangjie joins Aito from Seres Group, Luxeed from Chery, Stelato from BAIC Group, and Maextro from Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC) as the fifth automotive brand under the HIMA umbrella.
With an initial investment of RMB 6 billion ($837 million), Shangjie plans to leverage SAIC’s well-established production lines. SAIC President Jia Jianxu revealed that the brand will eventually operate its own dedicated factory. While pricing details for the Shangjie model are not yet available, reports suggest that the starting price could be around RMB 150,000, positioning it as the most budget-friendly option among HIMA’s offerings.
Recent spy photos circulating on Weibo provide a closer look at Shangjie’s debut model, offering additional insights into its exterior design. The images showcase the SUV’s sleek profile and distinctive features, generating further anticipation for its upcoming launch.
As Shangjie prepares to make its mark in the EV market, consumers can expect a blend of cutting-edge technology, affordability, and performance from this new entrant backed by the powerhouse partnership of Huawei and SAIC Motor. Stay tuned for more updates as the fall launch of the Shangjie SUV draws closer.
($1 = RMB 7.1668)
