Smart, the renowned all-electric auto brand, and ECARX Holdings Inc., a global mobility technology provider, have recently unveiled an ambitious joint venture named smart (Zhejiang) Software Technology Co., Ltd. This strategic collaboration is poised to spearhead the development of intelligent experiences within smart vehicles, marking a significant leap into the era of software-defined cars.
The primary objective of this joint venture is to propel technological advancements, broaden the research and development landscape through talent exchanges and collaborative innovation, and expedite global expansion endeavors. Smart and ECARX will pool their resources and expertise to jointly explore new frontiers in immersive cockpit experiences, delving into realms such as 3A games, artificial intelligence, brand IP incubation, and ecosystem development.
The partnership between ECARX and smart is not a novel venture, as they had previously joined forces on the smart #1 and smart #3 models. The fruits of their earlier collaboration materialized in the form of smartOS, an operating system distinguished by its unique Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design.
Smart Automobile Co., Ltd., officially established in 2019, has positioned itself at the forefront of the automotive industry by embracing a ‘future tech’ orientation as a core brand value. Tong Xiangbei, the Global CEO of smart Automobile, expressed the company’s commitment to navigating the software-defined car era. The joint venture with ECARX is envisioned as a means to assemble a stellar team of talent, integrate shared resources, invest in innovative research and development, and, ultimately, fortify smart’s leadership in the realm of intelligent technology. The overarching goal is to deliver high-quality, new-premium intelligent mobility experiences to users worldwide.
Ziyu Shen, the co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of ECARX, highlighted the robust history of collaboration between ECARX and smart, citing the successful development of smartOS. Through the establishment of the joint venture, Shen emphasized a commitment to continuous iteration, aiming to craft a refreshing and industry-leading intelligent experience. This involves an expansion of talent exchanges, intensified research and development efforts, and optimization of the supply chain network. Together, ECARX and smart aspire to disseminate their intelligent technology ecosystem to vehicle owners globally.
Founded in 2017, ECARX has rapidly grown to encompass over 2,000 employees spread across 11 major locations in China, the UK, USA, Sweden, Germany, and Malaysia. This extensive geographical footprint underscores the global reach and influence of ECARX in the mobility technology sector.
