At a time when the global automotive industry is undergoing profound changes, the introduction of Tesla's FSD (Full Self-Driving) technology into China, as well as market rumors that Tesla may authorize SAIC to carry out the robotaxi project, have brought new transformation opportunities to SAIC. This event is not only a strategic layout of SAIC, but also an important milestone in the intelligent revolution of China's automobile industry. Dr. Yang Xiaofeng of the North American Automotive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum broke the news and expressed his views on it.
The strategic significance of Tesla's FSD entry into China
The entry of Tesla's FSD technology into China indicates that China's autonomous driving technology market will usher in a new stage of development. FSD technology is one of Tesla's core competitiveness in the field of autonomous driving, and its entry into China can not only promote the development of China's autonomous driving technology, but also promote the maturity and improvement of the related industrial chain. In addition, the commercial application of FSD, such as robotaxi services, will bring new business models and growth points to the market. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on the second-quarter earnings call that Tesla is expected to obtain FSD licenses in other markets, such as Europe and China, by the end of this year.
Picture: Dr. Yang Xiaofeng of the North American Automotive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum broke the news that Tesla may authorize SAIC RoboXis
1. The current situation and challenges of SAIC
As a leading enterprise in China's automotive industry, SAIC has made some progress in the field of new energy vehicles and intelligent networked vehicles in recent years. However, in the era of electric vehicles, SAIC Motor is facing fierce competition from emerging forces at home and abroad, and needs to enhance its competitiveness through technological innovation and strategic cooperation. SAIC has made remarkable achievements in intelligent manufacturing and digital supply chain, such as SAIC Lingang plant has become a model of digital smart factory.
2. Analysis of the possibility of cooperation between Tesla and SAIC
Dr. Yang Xiaofeng said that Tesla has been rumored to have interviewed SAIC, Geely and BYD about the Robotaxi project, and he thinks SAIC is more likely to accept the project than the other two for the following reasons:
1. Tesla's relationship with Shanghai
Tesla has a gigafactory in Shanghai and has a good cooperative relationship with the Shanghai municipal government. This relationship provides the basis for the cooperation between Tesla and SAIC.
2. SAIC's demand for intelligent empowerment
SAIC is lagging behind its competitors in the field of electric vehicles and intelligent connected vehicles, and urgently needs to achieve intelligent empowerment through cooperation with Tesla. This demand could prompt SAIC to offer more favorable terms in the negotiations.
3. Advantages of state-owned enterprise background
As a state-owned enterprise, SAIC has a natural advantage in undertaking public utilities such as taxi services. In addition, FSD technology involves national access, and the background of state-owned enterprises may be smoother in terms of approval and supervision.
3. SAIC's transformation opportunities
If Tesla's FSD enters China and authorizes SAIC to carry out the robotaxi project, SAIC will usher in the following transformation opportunities:
1. Technology upgrades
Through the cooperation with Tesla, SAIC can obtain advanced autonomous driving technology and improve its own technical level and product competitiveness.
2. Market expansion
The Robotaxi project will bring new market opportunities to SAIC, especially in the areas of shared mobility and taxi services.
3. Brand lift
The partnership with Tesla will enhance SAIC's brand image and enhance consumer recognition and trust in SAIC's products.
4. Data instance information
According to industry analysis, the entry of Tesla's FSD technology into China is expected to promote the commercialization of autonomous driving and reshape the domestic self-driving software charging pattern. The domestic version of FSD may adopt a monthly subscription model, with a price of more than 700 yuan, which will promote the commercialization of autonomous driving and reshape the charging pattern of domestic self-driving software. In addition, Tesla has accumulated 1.61 billion kilometers of data, and plans to conduct small-scale tests of robotaxis in China, and will accelerate the development of domestic autonomous driving technology after the breakthrough of FSD's policy in China.
5. Editor's point of view
As an industry observer, the editor of China Exportsemi believes that the cooperation between SAIC and Tesla will be a win-win situation. SAIC can take this opportunity to achieve technological leapfrogging and market expansion, while Tesla can further consolidate its leadership position in the Chinese market. The success of this cooperation is of great significance not only for both companies, but also for the future development of China's automotive industry. In addition, considering that Tesla has about 1.7 million vehicles in the Chinese market, this cooperation has great potential and is expected to be an important force in promoting the rapid development of autonomous driving technology in China. Dr. Yang Xiaofeng also emphasized this point at the North American Automotive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, saying that Tesla's FSD entry into China will trigger a "catfish effect", which will challenge and incentivize domestic autonomous driving.
VI. Conclusions
Tesla's FSD entry into China and the potential cooperation with SAIC Motor are important transformation opportunities for SAIC. SAIC needs to seize this opportunity and play a greater role in Shanghai's efforts to build a world-class automotive industry hub through technological upgrading, market expansion and brand enhancement. At the same time, this cooperation will also promote the development of autonomous driving technology in China and bring new growth momentum to the entire industry.
