Core Viewpoint - The autonomous driving company Haomo Zhixing, backed by Great Wall Motors and other investors, has reportedly ceased operations, leading to over 200 employees leaving the company, with some transferring to Great Wall Motors [1][2]. Group 1: 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 had a valuation of 7 billion yuan and successfully completed four rounds of financing between 2021 and 2024, with the A round raising nearly 1 billion yuan [2]. Group 2: Operational Challenges - The company faced significant challenges in 2023, including delays in the rollout of its city NOH feature, which was expected to launch in 100 cities by 2024 [3]. - Despite the successful launch of the HPilot 3.0 system in various models, the company struggled with resource allocation and production scale, leading to an imbalance in investment returns [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The investment landscape for autonomous driving projects has become increasingly cautious, impacting Haomo Zhixing's ability to secure additional orders from automotive manufacturers [4].

Core 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]

Core Insights - The downfall of Haomo Zhixing, once a promising autonomous driving unicorn valued over $1 billion, was unexpected despite signs of trouble in the past few years [3][4][10] - The company faced significant challenges in delivering its urban NOH (Navigation on Highways) technology, which led to a loss of confidence from its parent company, Great Wall Motors [5][6][7] - Haomo's internal management issues and inability to keep pace with market demands contributed to its decline, as competitors like Yuanrong Qixing gained favor with Great Wall Motors [4][6][7] Company Background - Haomo Zhixing was established in November 2019 as a spin-off from Great Wall Motors' technology center, with a leadership team that included members from both Great Wall and major tech firms like Baidu and Huawei [4] - The company initially had strong backing and funding, completing multiple financing rounds that raised significant capital [9][10] Operational Challenges - The repeated delays in launching the urban NOH feature, initially promised for late 2022, severely impacted the company's credibility and relationship with Great Wall Motors [6][7] - By 2024, Great Wall Motors shifted its focus to external partners for autonomous driving solutions, further marginalizing Haomo [6][7] Financial Struggles - Despite a strong start with substantial investments, Haomo faced challenges in progressing towards an IPO, with reports of internal halts and layoffs surfacing in late 2024 [10][11] - The company experienced a drastic reduction in workforce, from over a thousand employees to around 200, indicating severe operational and financial distress [10][11] Industry Context - The autonomous driving sector is undergoing rapid changes, with increasing competition and a shift towards companies that can deliver tangible results [12] - Haomo's situation reflects a broader trend in the industry where companies that fail to meet production and technological standards are at risk of being eliminated [12]

Core Viewpoint - The sudden operational halt of Haomo Zhixing highlights the critical issue of technological lag in the autonomous driving industry, leading to severe financial and operational consequences for the company [4][12][20]. Company Overview - Haomo Zhixing, established in November 2019 as a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors, was once a promising player in the autonomous driving sector, achieving a valuation exceeding $1 billion and securing significant orders for its HPilot system [4][10][11]. - The company has faced a rapid decline, with its accounts frozen, employee salaries halted, and difficulties in issuing employment certificates [5][18]. Operational Challenges - The operational crisis has affected approximately 300 to 400 employees, with many facing non-renewal of contracts and unpaid salaries for October and November [7][17]. - The company was unable to deliver a satisfactory "no-map" solution for its autonomous driving technology, leading to Great Wall Motors seeking external suppliers for critical projects [14][15]. Financial Decline - Haomo Zhixing's financial troubles began to surface in November 2024, with a 30% reduction in workforce and a wave of executive departures in mid-2025 [17][18]. - The company has struggled with commercialization and financing, resulting in a reliance on a single client, Great Wall Motors, which poses significant risks [15][20]. Industry Context - The autonomous driving industry is transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to a "survival of the fittest" stage, where companies must establish sustainable business models and technological competitiveness to avoid being eliminated from the market [20][21]. - As technology matures, the focus of competition is shifting from basic technological capabilities to the integration of these technologies to create unique user experiences [20][21].