SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) – Huawei Technologies said some of its automotive partnerships, having gained skills in user experience, product design and marketing, were now ready to move towards independent operations and investment.
Huawei’s managing director and chairman of its smart car solutions unit Richard Yu made the comments while speaking at a launch event in Shanghai for the Luxeed S7 sedan that Huawei has jointly developed with Chinese automaker Chery.
On Sunday, Huawei announced it would launch a new joint company owned up to 40% with automaker Changan Auto.
The Huawei-backed electric vehicle (EV) brand Aito has received more than 100,000 orders for its revamped M7 model since going on sale two-and-a-half months ago, Yu said, calling it another milestone for the company.
Huawei has repeatedly said it does not make cars on its own but only helps other automakers make better vehicles.
On Tuesday, Yu said Huawei has three models for working with autos manufacturers: providing parts, providing smart solutions or designing and building vehicles.
(Reporting by David Kirton; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
