Baidu’s Automotive Venture Overcomes Key Regulatory Obstacle, Inaugural Model Set to Launch under New Brand in Q4

2023-08-15 Car News 1213 Views

Baidu’s strategic partnership with Geely has given rise to a new automotive brand, Jiyue, with its inaugural model, the Jiyue 01, achieving a significant milestone by entering China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) catalog for public comment. The eagerly anticipated Jiyue 01 is slated to make its debut in the fourth quarter.

(Image: Jiyue)

Amidst a period of relative quietness from Jidu Auto, Baidu’s automotive arm, recent regulatory filings and a statement from Geely Holding Group have provided clarity regarding their endeavors.

The MIIT’s latest catalog, published on August 14, features the Jiyue 01, a groundbreaking SUV, for public input until August 21. This marks a pivotal step, as inclusion in this catalog is a crucial regulatory milestone, and models that advance to this stage are typically part of the final approved lineup.

Geely, as the producer, is behind the Jiyue 01, which appears to be a development of the previously mentioned Robo-01 model. Geely’s announcement shortly after the MIIT’s catalog unveiling confirmed its partnership with Baidu, marking the launch of Jiyue as a premium smart technology brand. The flagship Jiyue 01 model aspires to redefine smart mobility, catering to tech-savvy Chinese consumers’ preferences for self-driving solutions.

Jiyue’s core objective is to deliver an unparalleled smart car experience. Beyond sales and service for the Jiyue 01, Jiyue will establish its own charging network to meet the rising demand for intelligent electric vehicles in China, according to Geely’s statement.

The Jiyue 01, set to debut in Q4, is built upon Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), integrating Baidu’s cutting-edge technology. While Geely’s statement offers an overview, it’s evident that Baidu’s automotive ambitions are making noteworthy progress, pivoting from the previous Jidu brand.

In its debut WeChat post, Jiyue shared several images of the Jiyue 01, providing a glimpse of what’s to come.

Baidu’s and Geely’s previous collaboration, Jidu, was initiated in March 2021, resulting in the release of the Robo-01 Lunar Edition in October 2022. The Robo-02, an all-electric coupe, was introduced in December 2022. However, the launch of the Jiyue brand suggests a shift in the companies’ strategic direction, with Geely taking a majority ownership stake.

The operating entity behind Jiyue, Hangzhou Jiyuyue Automotive Technology Co Ltd, was established on August 9, majority-owned by Geely.

In an environment of stricter car-making regulations, this development underscores Baidu’s commitment to its new brand and sets the stage for future automotive ventures.

Similarly, Xiaomi, another tech giant, has faced delays in its automotive pursuits. As Baidu paves the way for Jiyue’s launch, the landscape of technology-driven car manufacturing continues to evolve.