Multiple Automakers and Suppliers Announce Tech Collaborations, Product Launches, and Funding Updates

On April 19, FAW Hongqi announced a collaboration with Huawei Qiankun, stating it would realize the integration of "classic × technology." Faraday Future secured $45 million in new funding from a U.S.-based institutional investor to advance its EAI EV initiatives (including phased deliveries of the FX Super One) and EAI robotics business. At the launch event for the Guiyuan S platform, Great Wall Motor Chairman Wei Jianjun stated that “dedicated EV platforms are a false proposition,” introducing a modular architecture supporting five powertrain types: gasoline, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell, designed for global market adaptability. NIO provided clarification regarding the hidden door handles on the ES9: the design features automatic pop-out, proximity welcome lighting, and reduced aerodynamic drag; in the event of a collision, the handles automatically unlock and pop out, and can also be manually opened via a mechanical mechanism. Inside the vehicle, fluorescent emergency release handles are installed, backed by a dual low-voltage battery redundancy system. The handles also feature ice-breaking capability and can be forcibly deployed via the NIO mobile app or the exterior NOMI interface. The design complies with current national standards; new national regulations restricting such designs will apply only to vehicles announced after December 31, 2027. AITO has joined Yi'an Qi, a joint ultra-fast charging venture originally founded by BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Each of the three parties holds a 33.3% stake, jointly advancing China’s premium ultra-fast charging network. AITO owners will enjoy exclusive charging privileges equivalent to those of BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners. Audi and SAIC Motor signed a strategic cooperation agreement to co-develop Audi’s next-generation all-electric models and establish an innovation technology center in Shanghai. The two companies plan to develop four new AUDI-branded vehicles based on the next-generation intelligent digital platform, targeting B- and C-segment markets, with launches scheduled over the coming years. BYD Fangchengbao officially announced a new series, releasing teaser posters, though specific names and models remain undisclosed. Geely Auto Group CEO Gan Jiayue revealed that Zeekr 9X and 8X are accelerating their global development timelines, with overseas market launches expected as early as Q3. In response to reports about Honda potentially closing joint-venture plants, Dongfeng Honda stated operations remain normal with no shutdown plans at present; GAC Honda indicated it is optimizing its strategic layout and enhancing operational efficiency in response to evolving market conditions. At its 2026 Technology Open Day, Hesai Tech unveiled Picasso SPAD-SoC, the world’s first 6D full-color LiDAR ultra-sensitive chip. LiDAR units in the ETX series equipped with this chip support up to 4,320-line full-color 4K ultra-HD perception, achieve a maximum detection range of 600 meters, and can identify small objects as tiny as 15 cm × 25 cm within 150 meters. Mass production and delivery are expected in the second half of this year. Officials from Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone visited Valeo Group headquarters to advance cooperation on expanding Valeo’s Wuhan headlamp manufacturing facility. Valeo’s Wuhan R&D center employs over 1,500 engineers—accounting for one-third of its total R&D workforce in China—and its self-developed 15mm ultra-thin bi-function headlamp module has already been exported to Europe. Omowei Group and Wujie Power signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly explore applications of embodied intelligence technologies in automotive electronics manufacturing. Centered on Wujie Power’s embodied intelligence large model, the partnership will co-develop core robotic hardware to enhance perception and actuation component performance. Global energy markets have experienced heightened volatility due to Middle East tensions and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. In Denmark, approximately 95% of new passenger cars sold to private consumers in Q1 were electric vehicles. Embodied intelligence company Booster completed a nearly RMB 1 billion financing round, co-led by Beijing Advanced Manufacturing Industry Fund, Jingguosheng Fund, and Huakong Fund, with participation from multiple additional investors. Xiaomi Group appointed Hu Zhengnan as Group Vice President and CTO of Xiaomi Automobile, and Song Gang as Vice President and Chief of Staff of Xiaomi Automobile. This marks the first time Xiaomi has established a CTO role for its automotive division since announcing its entry into vehicle manufacturing in 2021.