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智界求生记:华为获战略主导权,双7新款背水一战
经济观察报·2025-08-07 11:56

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Huawei and Chery through the launch of the Zhijie brand and the establishment of dual design centers in Shanghai and Shenzhen marks a significant strategic shift, aiming to reshape the landscape of China's smart electric vehicle market with a focus on Huawei's full-stack technology and the "pure blood HarmonyOS" approach [1][4][5]. Group 1: Strategic Developments - On August 7, the Zhijie brand strategic cooperation agreement was signed in Shenzhen, and the dual design centers were officially opened, indicating a new starting point for the Zhijie brand after internal adjustments and market fluctuations [2]. - Chery has fully committed to the Zhijie brand, abandoning the Star Era resources, which is expected to enhance Zhijie's market position and eliminate internal competition for resources [8][10]. - The launch of the new R7 and S7 models, referred to as the "Double 7 New Models," is seen as the first step in brand rejuvenation, featuring advanced technology such as 192-line laser radar and the Huawei ADS 4 driving assistance system [5][26]. Group 2: Product and Market Strategy - Zhijie plans to expand its product lineup beyond the Double 7 models, with intentions to introduce a large SUV (R9) and the first MPV model under the HarmonyOS driving system, reflecting ambitions to penetrate broader market segments [7]. - The "Double 7 New Models" are positioned as a critical product for achieving the "third generation of maturity," with a focus on high-end specifications and user experience, aiming to compete directly with established players like Tesla [25][26]. - The strategy includes a "no optional extras" approach, where key features are standardized across all models to simplify user decision-making and enhance customer satisfaction [25][26]. Group 3: Operational and Structural Changes - The restructuring of the Zhijie project has transitioned from a divisional model to an independent subsidiary, allowing for more efficient decision-making and a clearer delineation of responsibilities between Huawei and Chery [13][14]. - The establishment of a dedicated R&D base in Wuhu, along with the relocation of the engineering team, aims to enhance research efficiency and align with Huawei's operational standards [15][11]. - The collaboration has evolved from initial disagreements over control to a more integrated partnership, with Huawei taking the lead in product quality and operational management while Chery provides strategic support [16][13]. Group 4: Challenges and Adaptations - Zhijie's journey has faced significant challenges, including delivery issues and market fluctuations, which have prompted a reevaluation of operational strategies and a focus on rebuilding trust with consumers [18][20]. - The brand's initial high order volume for the S7 was met with delivery delays due to production capacity issues, leading to a reassessment of supply chain resilience and user response mechanisms [18][20]. - The transition from a reliance on Huawei's brand strength to a more user-centric approach marks a critical evolution in Zhijie's operational strategy, emphasizing direct user engagement and efficient manufacturing processes [20][21].