Jiyue Auto, a company backed by Geely and Baidu, recently faced a sudden collapse amidst a financial crisis. Issues such as employee salary arrears, department closures, and supply chain problems have plagued the company. Sales of their models, Jiyue 01 and Jiyue 07, have been dismal, with only 902 and 1,030 units sold in November respectively, totaling around 14,000 units since their launch.
One of the major setbacks for Jiyue was the cancellation of their highly anticipated Robo X hypercar, which was set to be released in 2027. The collapse of the company has raised concerns, especially with reports of Jiyue 07 being sold at heavily discounted prices on live-streaming platforms in China. While Jiyue officials deny any involvement and claim that sales have been halted, conflicting reports have left potential buyers skeptical.
The Jiyue 07, which we previously tested, features a futuristic and minimalist design that sets it apart in the C-segment. The exterior is sleek and modern, with integrated lighting elements and a focus on aerodynamics. The interior boasts a massive 36.5-inch screen powered by Baidu’s autonomous driving platform and Snapdragon chipset, along with innovative features like an intelligent voice assistant.
During our test drive, the Jiyue 07 impressed with its responsive handling and comfortable ride. The dual-motor configuration delivers impressive performance, with a claimed 0-100 kph acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds. However, despite its advanced technology and high-performance features, the Jiyue 07 failed to make a mark in the Chinese market.
The financial struggles and operational challenges faced by Jiyue have overshadowed its potential in the EV sector. With strong competition from established players and new entrants like Xiaomi and Zeekr, Jiyue’s credibility has been tarnished. In a market where buyers have a wide range of choices, including popular models like the Xiaomi SU7, Zeekr 007, Lynk & Co Z10, and even the cheaper Mazda EZ-6, Jiyue’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring automakers.
For more in-depth evaluations of Chinese cars, stay tuned for the next Sunday China Drive at Car News China.
