Gasgoo Daily presents a selection of the latest developments from China's automotive industry. Here are the key stories in this edition.
Geely and Google Partner to Enhance In-Car Digital Experiences
Geely Holding Group announced a global strategic partnership with Google on October 16 to develop an in-car digital ecosystem for its brands' overseas models in markets where Google services are available.
The first model equipped with the new services is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2027, subject to product development, regulatory approval and market readiness. The agreement will bring Google Automotive Services, including Gemini AI, Google Maps and Google's in-car app store, to eligible vehicles.
The system is designed to offer AI-powered voice interaction, navigation, a wide range of in-car apps and connectivity across devices. The goal is to make the in-car experience more seamless and personalized while maintaining driving safety.
The partnership will gradually extend to more brands under Geely Holding, including Geely, Lynk & Co, Proton, Riddara and smart. The deal reflects Geely's efforts to adapt its overseas vehicles to local digital habits and service ecosystems. By integrating Google's services across its brand portfolio, Geely aims to strengthen the connection between drivers, their vehicles and the wider digital ecosystem.
JAECOO and Momenta complete L2++ driving challenge at Paris
Chery's brand JAECOO and Chinese autonomous driving technology company Momenta completed a zero-takeover L2++ driving challenge in Paris during the Paris Motor Show. The test used a JAECOO 7 equipped with Momenta's R7 World Model, showcasing driver assistance technology being developed for European roads.
The approximately 11.4-kilometer route included the Arc de Triomphe roundabout, where 12 avenues converge and lane markings are unclear. The vehicle also encountered complex traffic merging, France's priority-to-the-right rule, roadworks, narrow streets, pedestrians and cyclists.
According to the companies, the vehicle adjusted its path to surrounding traffic, navigated the roundabout and handled changing road conditions without the safety driver taking over. However, a safety driver remained onboard and ready to intervene, and the vehicle is still undergoing testing and validation.
The test highlights how Chinese automakers and autonomous driving suppliers are working to adapt advanced driver assistance systems to complex overseas driving environments. JAECOO entered the French market in April and recorded 2,589 new vehicle registrations in September, giving it a 1.6% market share. The companies have not yet announced a launch date for the tested system.
Li Auto chip subsidiary signs first-round financing agreement
Li Auto announced on October 16 that its chip subsidiary, Shanghai Mahe Xin Technology Co., Ltd. ("MHX Technology"), had signed an agreement for its first equity financing round, raising RMB 1.625 billion.
MHX Technology plans to use the financing to support chip development and commercialization, including expansion into non-automotive applications, as well as Li Auto's longer-term development in chips and domain controllers.
At the center of its technology strategy is the internally developed Mach M100, a 5-nanometer automotive-grade AI chip that Li Auto says delivers 1,280 TOPS of computing power. Designed for AI inference, the chip is already deployed in Li Auto's latest production vehicles, moving the technology from architectural development into mass production.
The subsidiary plans to supply chips to external customers and pursue partnerships beyond the automotive sector, while continuing to support Li Auto's vehicles. The company aims to build its chip and domain-controller business into a second growth engine alongside its premium intelligent electric-vehicle business.
The financing highlights a broader trend among Chinese automakers: investing in proprietary chips and AI computing platforms to strengthen control over core technologies. For Li Auto, bringing chip, AI-model and vehicle development closer together could support further optimization, while external customers could help expand the business beyond its own vehicle lineup.
