- Changan unveiled its Dubhe Plan 2.0 on February 9, which is expected to allow more affordable models to carry driver assistance systems.
- Changan will no longer develop new non-intelligent products from this year and will launch 35 intelligent cars in the next three years.
A day before BYD's (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) smart driving strategy launch event, Changan Automobile (SHE: 000625) unveiled its smart driving strategy, which promises to make more affordable models equipped with driver assistance systems.
Changan unveiled its automotive intelligence strategy, called “Dubhe Plan 2.0,” on February 9, saying that it will no longer develop new non-intelligent products from this year, and will launch 35 intelligent vehicle models in the next 3 years.
The automaker will start equipping models in the RMB 100,000 ($13,700) class with LiDAR in August, which is expected to support AEB (automatic emergency braking) functionality even at speeds of up to 135 km/h.
Changan aims to have its Dubhe smart driving system achieve full-scenario L3 autonomous driving by 2026 and full-scenario L4 autonomous driving by 2028, according to a video replay of the event.
Over the next three years, the automaker's sub-brand Nevo will launch 10 models including affordable small SUVs (sport utility vehicle), mid-to-large-size SUVs, and mid-to-large-size MPVs (multi-purpose vehicle).
Its Deepal sub-brand will launch 10 products including compact sedans, large six-seat SUVs, and new hardcore models.
The premium Avatr sub-brand will launch seven products including mid-to-large-size five-seater SUVs, large six-seater SUVs, mid-to-large-size sedans.
Changan began its efforts to make its vehicles smart with the implementation of Dubhe Plan 1.0 in 2018.
It achieved its goal of all new products being internet-connected vehicles with driver assistance systems by 2020.
Changan sees Dubhe Plan 2.0 as its third business venture, saying it will go all out with the plan.
The company aims to exceed five million units in overall sales by 2030, of which four million units will be sold under its own brands and three million are smart cars.
Changan's plan comes as BYD is about to hold its vehicle intelligence strategy starting at 7:30 pm Beijing time on Monday.
Earlier today, Zhang Zhuo, head of sales for BYD's Ocean lineup, said on Weibo that the lineup will launch 11 models equipped with the “God's Eye” advanced intelligent driver assistance system.
Changan and BYD's moves are expected to accelerate the arrival of the smart driving era by making intelligent driving systems available in more affordable models.
In a notable development for Changan, it and Dongfeng Motor (HKG: 0489) yesterday announced almost simultaneous plans to reorganize, hinting they could merge to become one of the world's largest auto groups.
($1 = RMB 7.3058)
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