SAIC’s Z-ONE to build joint innovation hub with ZTE for auto OS, chips, 5G-V2X tech

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Z-ONE, SAIC Motor's software unit, signed on Oct. 26 a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ZTE Corporation to build a joint innovation center dedicated to the R&D of in-car operating systems, automotive-grade chips, 5G-V2X-enabled auto communications, and other technologies, according to a post on SAIC Motor's WeChat account.

Z-ONE, ZTE signing MoU; photo credit: SAIC Motor

As a global leading supplier of telecommunications solutions, ZTE boasts deep technical insight in the fields of operating system, basic software, chips, software architecture, algorithm, and intelligent platform. It has also formed strong technical capabilities and product advantages in the domains related to networking technologies, such as 5G and V2X.

Z-ONE has already built a software talent group with over 1,100 staff members, and possessed a full-stack in-house developed technology R&D system, which encompasses a centralized electronic architecture, a service-oriented architecture (SOA), intelligent vehicle data plant, a full-stack OTA and cyber security solution.

Through the new cooperation, both parties will strive to make technical barriers break down and jointly contribute to the realization of a software-defined-vehicle future for smart mobility.

SAIC Motor signed a framework agreement with ZTE Corporation in early August for the strategic collaboration on building “software-defined” vehicles.

Under the agreement, the duo would join forces to boost the independent innovation in such fields as automotive basic software technologies, underlying hardware platforms, cloud computing capability, as well all intelligent connectivity, wishing to co-build the “software-defined” vehicle models with a great deal of applications, tailor-made product experience, and considerate services.

Leveraging the profound technical expertise in communications and IoV (Internet of Vehicles) areas, ZTE would offer SAIC Motor its 4G/5G-V2X (vehicle-to-everything) automotive modules and RSU (roadside units), as well as V2X-enabled cloud-controlled platform to jointly expedite the progress for the scale commercialized application of 5G-V2X technologies.