Tencent developing in-vehicle Wechat and Mini Programs

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Pony Ma (Huateng Ma), co-founder and chief executive officer of Tencent Holdings, said at the World Intelligent Connected Vehicle Conference that the focus of the internet has shifted from consumption internet to industrial internet while automotive industry is one of the most important fields for Tencent’s industrial internet exploration.

From his perspective, it is impossible for a company to build cars all by itself and no company has all the sources and capability that intelligent connected vehicles require. Cooperation between traditional automakers and internet companies is essential for automotive industry’s future development. Both parties should polish three kinds of abilities, network connectivity, data process ability and safety capability.

Since the relationship between human beings and vehicles is undergoing dramatic changes, Tencent is also developing solutions to the pain points of vehicle-human interaction and the company wants to inject its social gene to solutions.

Pony once revealed that the company’s plan to launch in-vehicle Wechat version had been delayed in consideration of safety capability. “Safety first of course. We want Wechat messages can be sent and received via voice interaction or by pressing buttons on the steering wheel if it can be integrated with in-vehicle hardware. Wechat is a Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media and mobile payment app developed by Tencent.

What’s more, Wechat Mini Programs can also have new applications in cars. “When vehicles pull into gas stations, parking lot, tourist attractions, corresponding mini programs can be activated via voice control to provide service. There’s no need to download or delete APPs.”

Currently, Tencent has formed strategic partnerships with many automakers, such as BMW, GAC, Changan, Geely. Last month, the internet giant was granted autonomous driving test license by Beijing regulatory department.