BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) has announced an in-house developed tablet, further extending its vertical integration.
The new energy vehicle (NEV) giant announced today that its first fully in-house developed tablet will be used in the personalized sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao's Tai 7 hybrid SUV (sport utility vehicle).
The device will support connection with the Tai 7's vehicle system, enabling multi-screen collaboration, according to BYD.
BYD did not disclose further information about the tablet. The Tai 7 will go on sale in the fourth quarter, and yesterday, Fang Cheng Bao saw the first mass-produced hybrid SUV roll off the production line.
The model is the second in Fang Cheng Bao's Tai series after the Tai 3 and is more focused on urban driving needs.
BYD's in-house development of tablets comes at a time when Chinese consumers are increasingly valuing connectivity in in-vehicle information systems.
Xiaomi and Huawei are seen as providing superior experiences in this area, as they are already consumer electronics giants.
Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) has also launched two generations of Nio Phone smartphones, hoping to increase the appeal of its vehicles by improving the connectivity between phones and its vehicles.
However, there is currently no information about the third generation of Nio Phone, as the company has essentially shelved the project due to financial pressures.
For BYD, while it is renowned for its NEV and battery businesses, it is also one of China's largest consumer electronics contract manufacturers, with clients including Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Honor.
