Gasgoo Munich- AVATR handed over 12 new vehicles to strategic partner Meridian in Ningbo, according to a January 28 report from Gasgoo. This isn't a standard retail delivery; the fleet will directly support Meridian's future R&D efforts. Several units are set to serve as "mobile laboratories," collecting acoustic data and testing next-generation audio algorithms under real-world driving conditions. The goal: validate the development of audio systems better suited to the acoustic environment of new energy vehicle cabins.
Image Credit: AVATR
At the handover ceremony, Meridian Global President John Buchanan took delivery of the vehicles. He will personally use an Avatr 12 as his official vehicle during his stay in China. Buchanan noted that the choice of AVATR stems from a shared commitment to high standards in design, technology, and user experience. The car, he added, will serve as a crucial platform for him to personally refine technology and products.
Image Credit: AVATR
The partnership between AVATR and Meridian began in 2024 and has since evolved beyond a traditional supplier relationship into a phase of deep co-creation and joint definition. Engineering teams from both sides have performed deep, custom tuning of audio systems for the unique cabin structures of AVATR's models, integrating Audio Vivid spatial audio technology. To date, more than 150,000 units across the AVATR 11, 12, and 07 lineups come standard with this jointly developed system.
Image Credit: AVATR
This delivery also signals a further deepening of the partnership model and increased global synergy. Leveraging AVATR's network of more than 80 overseas touchpoints across over 40 countries and regions, Meridian plans to establish dedicated listening experience zones in select international AVATR showrooms. These spaces will showcase the results of their collaboration directly to global users through professional demonstrations.
The delivery of these R&D vehicles reinforces the differentiated competitive edge AVATR has built through deep cross-sector collaboration in the high-end intelligent EV sector. As the core vehicle for Changan Automobile Group's premium strategy, AVATR is advancing its global layout and the rollout of its "Emotional Intelligent" product experience—powered by engineering and brand synergy with top-tier partners like Meridian.
