Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-11-25 01:03Core Insights - The autonomous driving company Haomo Zhixing, backed by Great Wall Motors and other investors, has announced that employees will not be required to report to work starting November 24, indicating potential operational issues and layoffs [1][2] - Over 200 employees have reportedly left the company, with some transitioning to Great Wall Motors, highlighting a significant workforce reduction [1] - The company, which was once valued at 7 billion yuan, is facing challenges in the competitive autonomous driving market, with its leadership indicating that 2024 will be a difficult year [1][2] Company Background - Haomo Zhixing was established in November 2019 as a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors, focusing on artificial intelligence technology for autonomous driving [1] - The company has successfully completed four rounds of financing between 2021 and 2024, with the A round raising nearly 1 billion yuan [2] - The team comprises talent from Great Wall Motors and other tech companies, including former executives from Baidu and Huawei [2] Operational Challenges - In 2023, the company faced setbacks, particularly with the launch of its HPilot 3.0 system and the rollout of its city NOH feature, which did not meet expectations [2][3] - The company’s strategy of diversifying into both passenger vehicle assistance and unmanned logistics has led to resource dilution, impacting production scale and cost efficiency [3] - As a result of these challenges, Great Wall Motors has begun seeking external partnerships, indicating a loss of confidence in Haomo Zhixing's capabilities [3]