SAIC, Alibaba step up cooperation for next-generation ICV

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chinese biggest automaker SAIC Motor and the Internet giant Alibaba deepened their strategic cooperation on August 28 for the next generation intelligent-connected vehicle (ICV).

（Photo source: Banma Network's WeChat account)

Under the strengthened partnership, both parties will restructure Banma Network Technology (Banma), a startup initiated by SAIC Motor and Alibaba, and Alibaba's operating system YunOS. Besides, their collaboration will extend to cover such areas as mobility service platform, autonomous driving and automobile-related cloud, etc.

The reorganization will make Alibaba the largest shareholder of Banma, a provider of Internet car total solutions. Per the deal, the entire intellectual property and businesses of YunOS will be injected to Banma, making the startup wholly own YunOS’s underlying infrastructure & code and get the right to use it. Meanwhile, Banma are allowed to authorize eligible automobile brands and designated partners to use the technology.   

Banma will further open up its platform to auto industry and expand its presence in more car brands by virtue of the core basic technology of YunOS.

The Roewe RX5 MAX equipped with all-new Banma system hit the market on the same day. Before that, the Banma system had been applied in models from multiple car brands, such as MG, MAXUS, Dongfeng-Citroen, Changan Ford, Qoros, Baojun and Skoda.

In 2015, SAIC Motor and Alibaba Group invested a total of RMB 1 billion to establish Banma Network. Both parties jointly launched in 2016 the Roewe RX5, the world's first Internet Car embedded AliOS-based Banma System, which attracted consumers with an innovative intelligent travelling experience.