Core Insights - A domestic intelligent driving chip, the Horizon Journey series, has achieved a production and shipment milestone of over 10 million units, making Horizon the first domestic intelligent driving technology company to reach this level of shipment volume [1] Company Summary - Horizon has become the first domestic intelligent driving technology enterprise to surpass a shipment volume of 10 million units, indicating significant growth and market penetration in the intelligent driving sector [1]

Core Insights - Jinqiu Fund is dedicated to supporting innovative founders in the AI sector and engaging with leading AI pioneers to navigate industry transformations [2][3] - The first "AI Pioneers" list was recently announced, highlighting key figures in the AI field who are shaping the future [3][14] Group 1: Evaluation Process - The evaluation panel for the "AI Pioneers" list included industry experts from investment and media, as well as innovative developers and prominent figures from the Zhihu community [4][6] - The selection criteria focused on five dimensions: innovation, critical thinking, influence, ecological value, and development potential [12][13] Group 2: Notable Figures - The list features prominent individuals such as Wang Xingxing, CEO of Yushu Technology, and other leaders from institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences [3][24][26] - These individuals are recognized for their contributions to AI technology, including advancements in deep learning frameworks and AI applications across various industries [19][21][23] Group 3: Future Outlook - The "AI Pioneers" list serves not only as a recognition of current leaders but also as a record of those exploring new boundaries and developing innovative tools in the AI landscape [28][29] - The ongoing nomination process for the next list encourages broader participation from the community to identify emerging talents in the AI sector [29]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of autonomous driving technology, highlighting the competitive landscape among major tech companies, automakers, and startups, and how advancements are reshaping transportation methods [2][3]. Group 1: Tesla's Development - Tesla is recognized as a pioneer in autonomous driving, with its aggressive data-driven approach that discards traditional methods like LiDAR and high-definition maps in favor of pure visual perception [6]. - The development path includes the transition from modular designs to end-to-end neural networks, aiming to make AI think and drive like humans [6]. - Key technologies introduced include BEV (Bird's Eye View) and Occupancy Network, enhancing spatial awareness and reducing reliance on high-definition maps [8][12]. Group 2: Huawei's Progress - Huawei's ADS technology has evolved from multi-sensor fusion and high-definition map reliance to a "mapless" approach, enhancing perception algorithms and ultimately leading to end-to-end model applications [23]. - The ADS 1.0 version relied on multiple sensors and high-definition maps, while ADS 2.0 marked a breakthrough in "mapless" driving [25][26]. - The latest ADS 3.0 aims for full scene intelligent driving, integrating advanced perception networks and optimizing hardware for better performance [28]. Group 3: Momenta's Strategy - Momenta employs a dual strategy of data-driven algorithms and mass production of autonomous driving products, creating a feedback loop for continuous improvement [33]. - The company focuses on low-cost automated mapping and crowd-sourced map updates, enhancing its capabilities in complex environments [35]. Group 4: Horizon's Path - Horizon has developed a unique path from automotive-grade AI chips to full-stack solutions, emphasizing software and hardware collaboration for efficiency [47]. - The company has progressively advanced from early ADAS prototypes to L2+ and L3 capabilities, with plans for broader applications in 2025 [49][50]. Group 5: Xiaopeng's Evolution - Xiaopeng's autonomous driving journey reflects a shift from multi-sensor fusion and high-definition maps to a "mapless" approach, driven by AI large models [79]. - The XPILOT series has evolved from basic parking assistance to advanced highway and urban navigation capabilities, with significant improvements in system generalization [81][90]. Group 6: NIO's Development - NIO's approach is characterized by a cautious evolution from collaborative development to full-stack self-research, focusing on safety and reliability [98]. - The introduction of the World Model NWM in 2025 signifies a new phase in NIO's autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing cognitive and reasoning abilities [110].

Core Viewpoint - The report from Huachuang Securities sets a target price of HKD 12.44 for Horizon Robotics-W (09660) and maintains a "Recommended" rating, highlighting the company's positive revenue outlook and its role as a rare third-party full-stack intelligent driving solution provider in China [1] Group 1: Revenue and Market Position - The company is expected to ship 4 million, 5.04 million, and 7 million units of its solutions in 2025-2027, representing year-on-year growth of 38%, 26%, and 39% respectively [1] - Revenue projections for the same period are set at CNY 36.2 billion, 58.5 billion, and 83.9 billion, with year-on-year growth rates of 52%, 62%, and 43% [1] - The company holds the largest market share in China for basic ADAS and overall ADAS solutions at 45.8% and 32.4% respectively [2] Group 2: Product Development and Partnerships - The HSD (Horizon SuperDrive) solution is set for mass production, with the first vehicle featuring this technology, the Chery Star Era ET5, expected to launch in November 2025 [1] - The company has established a European headquarters in Munich and is building deep connections with international clients such as Bosch, Continental, and Volkswagen [1] - The company has achieved a significant increase in chip shipments, with 1H25 seeing a doubling of J series chip shipments to 1.98 million units and a fivefold increase in shipments of chips supporting NOA functionality [2] Group 3: Index Inclusion and Investment Appeal - The company was included in the Hang Seng Composite Index and the Hang Seng Technology Index in March 2025, enhancing its visibility and investment appeal [3] - The company is considered a rare AI-related stock in the Hong Kong market, with both configuration value and risk appetite on the rise [3]

Core Insights - The rapid development of autonomous driving technology in China is highlighted as a global standout, with significant advancements made by companies like XPeng, Li Auto, NIO, Xiaomi, and BYD [2] - The Chinese autonomous driving industry is transitioning from technology validation to large-scale application, with a notable increase in the sales of smart connected vehicles equipped with driver assistance systems [2][4] - The integration of a complete technology ecosystem in China, encompassing multi-modal sensor fusion, deep learning algorithms, and real-time V2X interactions, has established a comprehensive "perception-decision-control" technology stack [2][4] Industry Overview - China's autonomous driving market is characterized by a competitive landscape where leading companies dominate while smaller firms engage in differentiated competition [4] - The supply chain's completeness and the size of the market contribute to the industry's growth, with significant advancements in chip production, algorithm development, and vehicle manufacturing [4] - The vertical integration of "chip-algorithm-vehicle" capabilities has positioned China favorably in the L2+ level driver assistance sector [4] Market Trends - The global shift towards higher-level autonomous driving technologies is accelerating, with L1/L2 functionalities now covering over 50% of new vehicle sales [4] - By 2030, L2+ systems are expected to become standard in new vehicles, with L3 and above accounting for 50% of the market [4] - Chinese manufacturers are leading the way in this transition, with products like XPeng's XNGP and Huawei's ADS 3.0 already implementing advanced navigation assistance features [4] Future Projections - The cost of high-level autonomous driving features is anticipated to decrease significantly, making them essential for vehicles priced above 200,000 yuan starting in 2025 [5] - The emergence of large model training-driven autonomous driving solutions is expected to further lower costs and enhance accessibility [5] - Industry experts predict that China could implement the world's most advanced and largest-scale fully autonomous driving systems within five years [5]

Investment Rating - The report suggests to pay attention to the industry and its developments [4] Core Insights - The high-level intelligent driving technology is becoming more accessible by 2025, with an upward trend in the industry chain's prosperity driven by mature supply-side technologies and demand-side strategies [3][9] - The new paradigm of computing power in vehicles includes DSA heterogeneous integration, cockpit fusion, and RISC-V architecture, which enhances algorithm optimization and cost efficiency [3][10][17] - Domestic alternatives are emerging with quality supply, and there is potential for technology to go abroad, especially in the mid-to-high-end NOA segment [3][24][26] - The trend of integrated hardware and software is leading to competitive intersections among various players, with traditional manufacturers and new forces both investing in self-research and collaboration [3][27] - The economic analysis of self-research in intelligent driving indicates an annual cost of approximately 2 billion RMB, with significant investments in SoC and algorithms [3][28] Summary by Sections 1. New Paradigm of Computing Power - The supply side is seeing advancements in intelligent driving hardware and software, with improved cost-performance ratios [3][9] - The demand side is influenced by traditional manufacturers promoting lower price points for intelligent driving features [3][9] - The architecture is evolving towards a more integrated approach, moving from multi-box systems to single-chip solutions [3][14] 2. Domestic Alternatives and Technology Export - The domestic market is seeing a growing presence of local suppliers in the mid-to-high-end NOA segment, with companies like Horizon Robotics and Black Sesame emerging as key players [3][26] - The low-end segment remains dominated by foreign companies, but domestic technologies are expected to expand internationally [3][26] 3. Competitive Landscape and Self-Research - Leading companies are enhancing their capabilities by integrating computing power, toolchains, and algorithms [3][28] - The competition is intensifying as companies like Huawei and Tesla are investing heavily in self-research and development of their own chips and algorithms [3][27] - The report highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to self-research, with significant financial commitments required to maintain competitiveness [3][28] 4. Company Analysis - Companies like NVIDIA and Huawei are leading in hardware performance and ecosystem development, while also seeking to strengthen their algorithm capabilities [3][32][39] - Horizon Robotics is positioned as a leader in providing integrated intelligent driving solutions, with a focus on software and service revenue [3][51]