Policy Highlights - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released the 2025 automotive standardization work points, focusing on enhancing the safety of new energy vehicles, strengthening standards for intelligent connected vehicles, and accelerating the revision of automotive chip standards [1][2] - The work points emphasize the need to improve the safety level of new energy vehicles, particularly in terms of battery safety and convenience, and to establish a safety baseline for autonomous driving systems [3][4] Focus Areas - **Battery Safety**: The work points highlight the importance of improving the safety and convenience of power batteries, including the review and approval of standards for battery durability and thermal management systems, as well as the development of standards for solid-state batteries and battery labeling [3] - **Autonomous Driving Safety**: There is a strong emphasis on establishing safety standards for autonomous driving systems, including the revision of standards for lane-keeping assistance and the development of standards for parking assistance systems [4] - **Chip Standards**: The work points call for the acceleration of the revision of automotive chip standards, including the implementation of standards for safety chips and power drive chips, to address the industry's challenges related to chip shortages [5] Industry Analysis - The frequent mention of "safety" in the 2025 automotive standardization work points indicates a strong focus on ensuring the safety of new energy vehicles and traditional automotive safety standards [6] - The industry recognizes that safety is paramount for the sustainable and healthy development of the new energy vehicle sector, especially during this critical phase of industry transformation [7]

Group 1 - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released key points for automotive standardization work for 2025, focusing on five areas with 23 specific items, particularly addressing the safety of intelligent driving systems [1] - The MIIT aims to accelerate the development of mandatory national standards for automatic driving system safety requirements and to promote the approval and implementation of standards related to automatic driving design, operation conditions, and simulation testing [1][2] - There is a strong emphasis on enhancing the safety levels of driving assistance products, including the revision of standards for lane-keeping assistance systems and the development of standards for reversing assistance [1] Group 2 - The MIIT will promote the implementation of information security engineering standards and accelerate the establishment of mandatory national standards for automotive passwords, as well as complete the review of data security management systems and standards for classifying automotive security vulnerabilities [2] - In response to the development of new energy vehicles, the MIIT will continue to advance the formulation of safety standards, including those for remote services and management of electric vehicles, and the implementation of safety requirements for power batteries [2][3] - The MIIT plans to enhance the performance of power batteries by advancing the review and approval of standards related to battery durability and thermal management systems, as well as developing standards for solid-state batteries and battery labeling [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue in Q4 2024 was $0.1 million, a decrease from $0.35 million in Q4 2023. For the full year 2024, total revenue was $0.8 million compared to $1.5 million in 2023 [17] - Gross margin loss for Q4 2024 was $0.2 million, consistent with Q4 2023. The full year gross margin loss for 2024 was $0.8 million compared to a break-even gross margin in 2023 [18] - Operating loss for Q4 2024 was $12.8 million, compared to a loss of $12.1 million in Q4 2023. The full year operating loss totaled $49.7 million, up from $46.9 million in 2023 [21] - Net loss in Q4 2024 was $12.2 million, compared to a net loss of $9.3 million in Q4 2023. The full year net loss for 2024 was $49.3 million, compared to a loss of $43.5 million in 2023 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a backlog of $0.3 million as of December 31, 2024 [18] - R&D expenses for Q4 2024 were $9 million, up from $8.4 million in Q4 2023. For the full year, R&D expenses totaled $35.1 million compared to $34.1 million in 2023 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company highlighted significant opportunities for growth in the non-automotive market, particularly through collaborations with key partners [12] - The company expects to ship around 5 million imaging radar chipsets to customers by 2030 based on current engagements [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving radar technology evolution and enhancing customer relationships, with a commitment to innovation [5][6] - Collaborations with major players like NVIDIA and partnerships with top global auto OEMs are central to the company's strategy [7][8] - The company aims to pursue four design-ins with automakers in 2025, with projected annual revenue between $2 million to $5 million [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while broader economic shifts have led to delays in automakers' rollout of advanced driver assist systems, the total addressable market continues to expand [24] - The company remains optimistic about its market potential, supported by recent fundraising initiatives totaling nearly $17 million [15][23] Other Important Information - The company raised gross proceeds of $54.5 million in January 2025, enhancing its financial stability [23] - The company maintains a strong focus on R&D to ensure continuous innovation and technological advancements [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What programs are expected to drive $1 million-plus revenue quarters towards the end of 2025? - Management identified three leading projects in final stages: Tianyi (non-automotive), trucks in Europe, and a collaboration with HiRain for a Chinese car manufacturer [31] Question: What is the current cash balance and share count post-fundraising? - The current cash balance is approximately $73 million, with a share count of 85.7 million [35][38] Question: Can you provide an update on the China EV market opportunity? - The company noted that Chinese car manufacturers are focusing on launching self-driving services and are looking for radar solutions to enhance their offerings [39] Question: What is the status of discussions with OEMs? - Management indicated that evaluations with OEMs are in final stages, with the company shortlisted against one or two competitors [44] Question: What is the expected operating expense trajectory over the next few years? - The company expects operating expenses to remain similar over the next few years, with additional investments in next-generation technologies [47]