The advent of the era of smart cars
In this era of rapid technological development, the Internet is permeating every aspect of our lives everywhere. The automotive industry, once considered a traditional industry, is undergoing unprecedented changes. The concept of smart cars is the latest embodiment of the integration of the Internet and the automotive industry.
The so-called smart car, generally speaking, is a self-driving car connected to the Internet. Its core content includes two aspects: "in-vehicle Internet service" and "autonomous driving". The former means that the car will no longer be a closed, independent system, but will be seamlessly connected to the internet and will have access to various online services; The latter means that cars will gradually become autonomous, reducing the burden on human drivers. Only when the Internet truly becomes a moment of automobiles, can the era of smart cars truly open.
This prospect is attracting more and more technology companies to join the tide of automobile manufacturing. They hope to use their technological advantages in the Internet, artificial intelligence and other fields to inject new vitality into traditional cars.
Technology companies are building cars and exploring new paths
Xiaomi's Lei Jun is the most eye-catching member of this car-making boom. In recent years, he has appeared at major auto shows many times, showing a strong interest in luxury cars, causing speculation about Xiaomi's car-making. Although no mobile phone manufacturer has yet succeeded in building a car, Lei Jun seems confident that he can break this record and make history.
In order to achieve this goal, Lei Jun personally led the team to explore the interior of the Xiaomi Auto Gigafactory. In a series of videos, he highlights Xiaomi Auto's paint shop, showcasing the unique "mirror-grade" paint finish of the upcoming SU7 model. This innovative coating process can make the car body present a light and recognizable effect, bringing a new visual experience to consumers.
In addition to Xiaomi, other technology companies are also experimenting in the automotive field. At the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, Lei Jun was parachuted into the GAC Trumpchi booth, representing a new trend of marketing innovation in the automotive industry. Trumpchi cooperated with Huawei to open a new era of "intelligence"; The popular idol Zhang Ruoyun has become the spokesperson of Trumpchi's new energy models, leading the wave of "younger" consumption.
These actions indicate that technology companies are influencing and changing the traditional automotive industry in an unprecedented way. They bring not only advanced technology, but also new marketing concepts and consumer experience.
The concept of serving the people promotes affordable smart cars
In this car-making boom, there are also companies that uphold the original intention of "serving the people". Zhou Hongyi, the founder of 360 Group, said that the cooperation between 360 and Nezha Automobile is to "build cars for the people", create safe, easy-to-use and popular smart cars, and end the hegemony of luxury cars.
For many ordinary consumers, luxury brand cars are undoubtedly luxury and out of reach. However, if we can launch more cost-effective smart models, I believe it will be favored by the masses. Zhou Hongyi believes that Nezha Automobile has withstood the test in the smart car market and completed the accumulation of core users. 360 hopes to empower Nezha in an all-round way through digital technology and make an affordable smart car of about 100,000 yuan.
This concept is in stark contrast to the current practice of domestic and foreign brands launching luxury models. It is closer to the actual needs of the public, and is expected to make the sense of acquisition and experience of smart cars truly popular, benefiting more consumers.
Achieving this goal will not be easy. Affordable smart cars not only require high-performance hardware configurations, but also need powerful software systems as support. Zhou Hongyi once said that 360 will give full play to its advantages in the field of network security to provide a full range of security protection for Nezha Automobile to ensure the reliability and safety of the on-board system.
If this plan is successful, it is believed that it will have a profound impact on the entire automotive industry. It will completely break the monopoly of luxury cars and allow more consumers to experience the new travel experience brought by smart cars.