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In a significant development in the automotive industry, BYD, the renowned Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has unveiled its advanced driver-assistance system, "Tian Shen Zhi Yan" (or "God's Eye"). This announcement was made by the company’s Chairman and President, Wang Chuanfu, during an intelligence strategy presentation on the evening of February 10.
The "God's Eye" system is touted as a high-level autonomous driving feature and comes in three distinct versions, with the laser version being primarily featured in BYD's upscale modelsWang emphasized that this system enables true no-hand takeover during highway driving, reflecting a significant leap in automated vehicle technology.
According to Wang, the system is designed to be integrated into 21 models across the BYD range, covering price points from 99,800 to 249,800 yuan (approximately $14,000 to $36,500). This means autonomous driving technology is becoming more accessible to a broader consumer base.
Also highlighted during the conference was BYD’s ambition to achieve fully autonomous track drivingThe company showcased how the "God's Eye" system can collect comprehensive data from the track, facilitating real-time adjustments and torque distribution to maintain stability and safety during high-speed maneuversThis level of control is crucial given the complexity of track conditions, which often involve rapid acceleration and sharp turns.
Wang Chuanfu asserted that BYD aims to merge performance with intelligence, a combination that the company believes will set it apart in the evolving automotive landscape
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The ability for a vehicle to operate autonomously on a racetrack not only demonstrates BYD's leadership in automotive smart control but also lays the groundwork for expanding the application of autonomous technology to more intricate real-world scenarios.
During the event, Yang Dongsheng, Senior Vice President of BYD and Director of the Automotive New Technology Research Institute, further elaborated on the company’s "Xuanji Architecture," which will fully integrate with a new technology called DeepSeekThis integration aims to enhance the vehicle's understanding of its environment, reinforcing BYD's commitment to advanced intelligence in its vehicle offerings.
Wang also made a bold prediction, stating, "2025 will be the year of universal intelligent driving." He suggested a paradigm shift in consumer mindset, moving away from evaluating vehicle performance based solely on electrification, to recognizing the importance of advanced driving capabilities as essential features in carsHe believes that by 2025, smart driving technology will be a decisive factor for buyers, and vehicles without these functions will be viewed as obsolete.
The enthusiasm surrounding BYD’s announcement has been mirrored in the stock marketFollowing the innovations presented, BYD's stock surged, hitting upper limits on February 6 and climbing again by 5.09% on February 7. Stocks tied to BYD have also seen increased activity, with several of them reaching their own caps amidst this wave of optimism.
However, as excitement built up around BYD’s advancements, some companies within its supply chain released statements to clarify their positions
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For instance, Hezhizhe Intelligent (2533.HK) issued a notice on February 10, addressing unusual volatility in their stock pricesThe company confirmed long-standing collaborations with major automakers, including BYD, dispelling rumors about any significant changes in their partnerships.
These announcements come on the heels of reports claiming that BYD had adopted Hezhizhe Intelligent’s automotive-grade autonomous driving chips for its Tengshi brand of vehiclesIn response to such reports, Hezhizhe confirmed that their chips had entered production but were tight-lipped about specific details.
This financial excitement around BYD, along with developments regarding their technology partnerships, has increased investor interestOn February 7, shares of Hezhizhe surged by as much as 55.5% in intraday trading before closing with a 37.59% gain, boosting its market capitalization to approximately HK$22.1 billion.
As the industry gears up for the potential revolutions promised by advancements like BYD's "God's Eye," observers are left pondering the larger implications for the global automotive landscapeThe integration of advanced intelligence systems into the automotive market not merely enhances the driving experience but is also expected to catalyze changes in policies, regulations, and consumer expectations.
As technology races forward and new players enter the field, the next few years will undeniably be pivotal for automakers and technology firms alikeThe future of driving might just be changing faster than we've anticipated, and companies like BYD are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
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