Huawei Begins Taking Preorders for First EV Made With GAC

1. Huawei Technologies has initiated preorders for its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) under the Qijing brand, developed in partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC). This marks a notable step as it sets the stage for direct competition between two of Huawei’s own automotive alliances—its intelligent automotive solution business unit and the consumer business group-led Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) [para. 1].

2. The situation reflects Huawei’s dual-pronged strategy to capture market share in China’s highly competitive automotive sector. The company has structured its automotive operations into two business groups, each targeting both premium and niche segments of the market [para. 2].

3. The new Qijing GT7, classified as a shooting brake, will compete directly with HIMA’s Shangjie brand, which is soon launching its Z7T shooting brake. Both target the same niche segment, illustrating internal competition. Preorders for Shangjie’s Z7T are anticipated shortly, signifying intensifying rivalry [para. 3].

4. Qijing’s product plans are expanding, with a second, mid- to large-sized SUV expected to debut in 2025. The brand aims to compete in the 300,000 yuan ($43,600) price segment, meaning the upcoming SUV could challenge HIMA’s influential Aito brand models [para. 4].

5. After US sanctions impaired Huawei’s smartphone business in 2020, the company accelerated its auto sector push as an alternative revenue stream. This led to a partnership with Seres Group in April 2021 and the establishment of HIMA in November 2023 [para. 5].

6. Meanwhile, the intelligent automotive solution unit, set up as a component supplier in 2019, gained partial independence in August 2024. Investments from Seres and Chongqing Changan Automobile followed, culminating in a spin-off into Shenzhen Yinwang Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. in January 2025. This new entity focuses on supplying components and autonomous driving systems [para. 6].

7. HIMA collaborates with carmakers by offering smart driving technologies and selling support, wielding substantial influence over design, development, marketing, and sales. Five brands—Aito (Seres), Luxeed (Chery), Shangjie (SAIC), Maextro (Jianghuai), and Stelato (BAIC BluePark)—currently operate under the HIMA umbrella [para. 7].

8. The intelligent automotive solution business unit pursues ecosystem development via the Qiankun platform, collaborating with GAC and Dongfeng on the Qijing and Yijing auto brands [para. 8].

9. To differentiate Qijing, CEO Jin Yuzhi emphasized “mobility AI agents” equipped with leading Huawei technologies, many featured in the GT7 for the first time in any vehicle. This is intended to reinforce Qijing’s positioning at the technological forefront [para. 9].

10. The GT7 will offer Huawei Qiankun’s ADS smart driving system, with top-tier versions featuring full-link redundancy architectures—claimed as unique in this class—for enhanced autonomous driving [para. 10].

11. A Qijing representative stated that the GT7’s high-spec version includes basic hardware supporting Level 3 autonomous driving, pending regulation and testing. Software upgrades could enable these features once permitted [para. 11].

12. Qijing faces challenges in the tightly contested premium new-energy vehicle (NEV) market, as shooting brakes have limited current sales—only a few thousand units monthly in 2025 [para. 12].

13. Xuan Wei, GT7’s general manager, argues that shooting brakes blend sedan aesthetics, SUV space, and coupe performance. While historically underserved, he anticipates Qijing’s offerings will create new demand and grow the niche [para. 13].

14. While GT7 pricing isn’t official, GAC previously confirmed it will target the 300,000 yuan luxury NEV segment, putting it in competition with major rivals like Nio and Li Auto [para. 14].

15. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, total domestic passenger vehicle sales rose by 6.4% in 2025. However, NEV and fossil-fuel car sales in the 300,000–350,000 yuan range dropped by 12.9% and 19.2%, respectively, with similar declines in the 350,000–400,000 yuan bracket, indicating a challenging environment for premium market entrants [para. 15].

16. Despite a market slowdown in early 2026, premium NEV sales rebounded, supported by a new subsidy policy. Sales in the 300,000–350,000 yuan range grew by 0.7%, while those in the 350,000–400,000 yuan range jumped by 33% year-on-year in the first two months of 2026, suggesting emerging opportunities for Qijing’s new offerings [para. 16].