Core Viewpoint - The decline of independent intelligent driving companies incubated by traditional automakers, such as Haomo Zhixing, highlights the challenges and inefficiencies in the current market, leading to a shift towards more collaborative and cost-effective solutions [1][10][13]. Group 1: Haomo Zhixing's Decline - Haomo Zhixing announced a complete work stoppage starting November 24, 2024, due to its operational status, with indications of significant layoffs and management departures since 2024 [3][4]. - The company, which originated from Great Wall Motors in 2019, had once been a leading player in the intelligent driving sector, achieving a valuation exceeding $1 billion and planning an IPO in 2025 [4][5]. - Despite initial successes, Haomo Zhixing's actual deployment of its NOH system was limited to only three cities by the end of 2023, falling behind competitors [5][6]. Group 2: Industry Trends and Challenges - The trend of traditional automakers dissolving or integrating their independent intelligent driving subsidiaries, such as the dissolution of Dazhuo Intelligent and the integration of Zero束 Technology into SAIC, reflects a broader industry shift towards consolidation and collaboration [7][8]. - The low return on investment for these independent companies has led automakers to reconsider their support, especially in light of more cost-effective third-party solutions [10][11]. - The competitive landscape has evolved, with over 80% of domestic automakers opting for partnerships with established tech firms like Huawei, indicating a preference for collaborative models over independent development [14][15]. Group 3: Future Directions - The industry is moving towards a hybrid model of "self-research + cooperation," allowing traditional automakers to leverage their manufacturing strengths while addressing technological gaps through partnerships [15]. - The market is increasingly favoring third-party intelligent driving solutions, as evidenced by the dominance of companies like Momenta and Huawei in the NOA market, which has shifted the focus back to core automotive manufacturing [14][15].

Core Viewpoint - The sudden halt of the autonomous driving company, Haomo Zhixing, reflects the challenges faced by firms in the autonomous driving sector, particularly those reliant on a single major partner like Great Wall Motors [4][15]. Group 1: Company Background and Development - Founded in 2019, Haomo Zhixing emerged as a latecomer in the autonomous driving industry, entering during a critical transition from hype to rational investment [5]. - The company was established as a spin-off from Great Wall Motors, aiming to develop autonomous driving technology independently, with a strong leadership team from the parent company [6]. - Haomo Zhixing quickly gained attention, achieving significant milestones such as the launch of its HPilot system across over 20 vehicle models and generating over 100 million yuan in revenue by the end of 2021 [7]. Group 2: Challenges and Setbacks - The company's decline began with delays in launching its urban NOH feature, which was initially promised for late 2022 but failed to materialize, leading to a loss of confidence from Great Wall Motors [8]. - As Great Wall Motors began to seek alternatives, such as partnerships with other firms like Yuanrong Qixing, Haomo Zhixing found itself increasingly marginalized [8]. - Internal turmoil became evident with reports of layoffs and high-level departures, including key executives, indicating deeper issues within the company [13]. Group 3: Financial and Investment Landscape - Haomo Zhixing has raised approximately 2 billion yuan across seven funding rounds, with significant investments from major players like Meituan and Hillhouse Capital, achieving a valuation exceeding 1 billion USD [9][10]. - The company had plans for an IPO, initially targeting the Sci-Tech Innovation Board in 2020 and later considering a Hong Kong listing in 2024, but these plans have faced setbacks [10][12]. - Despite a promising start, the company has struggled to secure new funding and maintain operational stability, leading to a cash flow crisis and delayed salary payments to employees [13]. Group 4: Industry Context and Future Outlook - The autonomous driving sector is experiencing a competitive phase, with a notable shift in investment focus towards established players, highlighting a "Matthew Effect" where resources concentrate among the most successful firms [14]. - Haomo Zhixing's situation serves as a cautionary tale for other companies dependent on a single major partner, emphasizing the risks associated with such business models [15].

Core Viewpoint - The sudden halt of the autonomous driving company, Haomo Technology, reflects underlying internal turmoil and challenges in the industry, highlighting the risks associated with reliance on a single major partner, Great Wall Motors [4][19][21]. Company Overview - Founded in 2019, Haomo Technology emerged as a latecomer in the autonomous driving sector, entering during a critical transition from hype to rational investment [6]. - The company was initially seen as a promising player, leveraging its connection to Great Wall Motors, which aimed to develop a fully self-researched autonomous driving system [7][8]. Business Development - Haomo Technology achieved significant milestones, including the launch of its HPilot system across over 20 vehicle models and generating over 1 billion yuan in revenue by the end of 2021 [10]. - By 2024, the total mileage of its autonomous driving users surpassed 250 million kilometers, indicating strong initial growth [10]. Challenges and Setbacks - Despite early success, Haomo Technology faced delays in product delivery, particularly with its urban NOH feature, which was expected to launch in late 2022 but did not materialize as planned [10][11]. - The company began to experience internal issues, including layoffs and executive departures, which raised concerns about its operational stability [20]. Financial Backing and IPO Plans - Haomo Technology has raised approximately 2 billion yuan across seven funding rounds, with significant investments from major players like Meituan and Hillhouse Capital [13][16]. - The company had aspirations for an IPO, initially targeting the Science and Technology Innovation Board in 2023, but faced delays and ultimately aimed for a 2025 listing [17]. Current Status and Future Outlook - As of late 2024, Haomo Technology has entered a state of suspension, with employees placed on leave and financial difficulties becoming apparent [4][19]. - The company's future remains uncertain, with the potential for further marginalization by Great Wall Motors and the risk of being absorbed by larger automotive manufacturers, similar to the fate of Cruise [21].

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].