The new brand adopts a more flexible cooperation model to achieve two-way empowerment of “GAC Manufacturing + Huawei Smart Technology.”
On September 19, the premium smart new energy brand “Qijing,” jointly created by HUAWEI QianKun and GAC Group, was officially launched.
The Qijing brand, co-developed by GAC Group and HUAWEI QianKun, is positioned as a premium smart new energy vehicle brand. It is reported that Qijing Auto will focus on the high-end market with vehicles priced above RMB 300,000 ($42,100). The first model is planned for launch in 2026 and will offer both pure electric and extended-range powertrain options, covering both SUV and sedan product lines.
According to the plans of both parties, Qijing Auto will be equipped with HUAWEI QianKun’s most advanced smart technologies across its entire product range. The new brand will leverage Huawei’s strengths in assisted driving, smart cabins, user ecosystems, and brand marketing, combined with GAC’s expertise in three-electric systems and vehicle manufacturing, to achieve two-way empowerment of “GAC Manufacturing + Huawei Smart Technology.”
This cooperation avoids the potential ambiguity in responsibilities often seen in traditional “automaker + supplier” models through technological complementarity. Huawei will act solely as a technology solution provider and will not participate in equity investment in vehicle manufacturing, while GAC will retain brand leadership and sales channel control.
As additional context, Huawei currently plays three main roles in the automotive field: first, as a traditional Tier 1 supplier; second, providing full-stack solutions to automakers through the HI model; and third, the Harmony Intelligence (HIMA) model, which integrates automaker resources and leads product definition and end sales.
Unlike HIMA’s “Five Model”, Qijing Auto adopts a more flexible deep cooperation mechanism. Huawei will participate deeply as a technology supplier, not only providing technology but also deeply engaging in product definition, R&D collaboration, and marketing systems (IPD/IPMS processes). Additionally, Qijing Auto will operate with independent decision-making authority, led by GAC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Huawang Auto, with GAC holding a stake and committing an investment of at least RMB 1.5 billion ($211 million).
Qijing Auto’s first model will be launched in 2026. Whether the premium smart electric vehicle market will welcome a new disruptor remains to be seen.
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