
Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and transformations faced by GAC Group and its high-end electric vehicle brand, Hyper Haobo, amidst declining sales and a competitive market landscape. The company is undergoing significant reforms to redefine its brand identity and product development processes, particularly through the adoption of Huawei's Integrated Product Development (IPD) methodology [5][6][16]. Group 1: Market Challenges - GAC's sales from January to September 2023 reached 1.1837 million units, a year-on-year decline of 11.34% [5]. - The company reported a net loss of 2.538 billion yuan in the first half of 2023, marking its first semi-annual loss in a decade [5][6]. - The sales of Hyper Haobo's high-end models have been disappointing, with only 2,095 units sold in September, compared to 19,600 units for a competing model from Xiaomi [5][6]. Group 2: Brand Transformation - Hyper Haobo was officially established as a standalone brand in January 2025, aiming to position itself alongside GAC's other brands, Aion and Trumpchi [9][16]. - The brand's strategy includes a shift from focusing solely on electric vehicles to incorporating range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) with the introduction of the "Star Source Range Extension Technology" [17][20]. - The company is attempting to redefine its brand image through innovative design and technology, such as the new "Mountain-Sea Architecture" for its vehicles [6][16]. Group 3: Product Development and Strategy - GAC is implementing the IPD methodology to enhance its product development process, focusing on user needs and cross-department collaboration [29][31]. - The introduction of the Hyper Haobo HL model is part of GAC's broader strategy to revitalize its product lineup and improve market competitiveness [6][30]. - The company is also exploring unique design features, such as special door mechanisms, to create a distinctive brand identity, although this has received mixed consumer feedback [15][44]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The article highlights the intense competition in the high-end electric vehicle market, where new entrants have advantages in brand recognition and product focus [13][14]. - Hyper Haobo's initial foray into the high-end market has been challenging, with its first model, the Hyper SSR, achieving only 15 units sold in 2023, compared to competitors like the Geely's Yuanguang U8, which sold over 3,000 units [13][14]. - The market for range-extended electric vehicles is growing, with sales reaching 642,000 units in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 181%, indicating a potential opportunity for GAC to capitalize on this segment [18][20].