Xiaomi, Huawei, Apple, these mobile phone manufacturers began to build cars. There are also car manufacturers who make mobile phones. At present, Geely Automobile and Weilai Automobile are interested in manufacturing mobile phones. Although these cross-border car-making or mobile phone companies have different starting points, their core purpose is the same, that is, the best user experience!
NIO currently has a lineup of high-end electric SUVs composed of three models: ES8, ES6, and EC6. Recently, the electric flagship sedan ET7 began delivering to customers.
Weilai Li Bin said, "It is still in the early stage of research, but we are exploring the direction of our own production of mobile phones. "This move has attracted a lot of attention because it is a head-on confrontation with the IT giants. And like Apple, Xiaomi has announced the development of electric vehicles. Taking Apple Cars as an example, although the progress and performance of Apple Car have not been updated, with the recent patent registration of Apple's self-driving electric vehicles and discussions with various partners, people's expectations for Apple Car have risen again.
Why does Weilai Automobile want to build mobile phones? The reason is simple, NIO's goal is to build a holistic system that can participate in the daily lives of consumers. NIO is not only committed to enhancing the value of high-end car brands, but also committed to enhancing value through sub-brand management. For example, the "Nio House" members' club, the "Nio Power" responsible for charging infrastructure, and the lifestyle brand "Nio Life". As a result, NIO is expected to grow the brand again by developing a smartphone that focuses on pairing with electric vehicles, namely overall connectivity. Li Bin explained: "This decision reflects the voice of WEI consumers for mobile phones that are better connected to cars. That is to say, the direction of the business is not to focus on the development of mobile phones, but to more fully meet the needs of electric vehicle owners.
In fact, in addition to Apple, there are several high-tech companies that are also involved in the electric vehicle business, and the prospects are promising. Foxconn, known for producing Apple's iPhone, Baidu, China's largest search engine, and Xiaomi, a Chinese smartphone maker, are examples. Xiaomi, for example, has opened a separate automotive division, is seriously focused on the automotive business, and is building a factory with the goal of producing 300,000 electric vehicles a year.
Nevertheless, considering Apple's current brand influence and overwhelming market share, whether Weilai mobile phones can achieve a better user experience is still a mystery. In the future, if more than 60% of Nio owners use Apple iPhone, it will be difficult for Weilai to defend Apple's monopoly position in the ecosystem. In order to compete well, Weilai must do a good job in the mobile phone business as soon as possible.
NIO wants to start with electric vehicles and expand to the smartphone business, while Apple wants to expand from smartphone development to electric vehicle business. It starts in the opposite direction, but in the end, it is moving toward the same goal of "connecting" as a whole.