SAIC Motor launches general innovation R&D institute for NEV, ICV development

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On March 1, SAIC Motor announced the establishment of its general institute for innovation research and development (“general R&D institute”).

IM L7; photo credit: SAIC Motor

As a unit directly managed by SAIC Motor, the newly-built general institute will integrate the auto group’s resources of five information technology centers (dedicated to software, AI, big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity respectively), the passenger vehicle technology center, and the overseas innovation centers (located in UK, Israel, and North America).

SAIC Motor said it plans to pour a total of 300 billion yuan ($47.513 billion) in the development of NEV (new energy vehicle) and ICV (intelligent-connected vehicle)-related businesses during the 14th five-year plan period (2021-2025). Through the general R&D institute, innovation businesses and resources of SAIC Motor and its subsidiaries will be connected to promote the R&D of basic technologies, complete vehicle architecture (including both software and hardware), and cutting-edge technologies related to new energy ICVs.

Besides, the newly-launched facility will work on making multiple innovative technologies compatible with vehicle models under such self-owned brands as IM, Feifan Auto, Roewe and MG, based on the development demands of different brands’ domestic and overseas businesses.

In the future, the general R&D institute will move faster on building a technical architecture capable of rapid iteration and make a heavy investment in the hardware R&D. Moreover, it will also set up many R&D branches at home and abroad with over 10,000 R&D talents attracted globally.