- Innovation and Speed: Chinese companies are rapidly acquiring skills that traditionally took decades to master.
- Setting Trends: Xpeng claims to be the first Chinese automaker to empower a legacy manufacturer, marking a crucial turning point in the industry.
Brian Gu, vice-chairman and president of Xpeng, highlights the brand's ambitious future:
- Global Focus: Xpeng aspires to lead in AI-defined mobility, offering products ranging from EVs to flying cars.
- Talent Pool: A notable 40% of Xpeng's workforce is dedicated to research and development, with over half focusing on software and AI.
Xpeng has developed its own chip, the Turing AI:
- Performance: This 40-core processor is capable of managing 30 billion parameters, equivalent to the power of three high-performance chips.
- Autonomy Ready: It is engineered for Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.
Traditionally, automakers have relied on third-party chips. However, Gu emphasizes that developing chips in-house is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge:
- Tech Focus: Cars are increasingly becoming tech products that evolve rapidly.
- Survival of the Fittest: Companies unable to adapt in AI and software development might not survive.
Gu cautions that the automotive AI revolution will introduce:
- New Complexities: To thrive, the industry will require skills in software and chip design.
- Consolidation: Both established manufacturers and new entrants will need to adapt to endure.
Xpeng's development of its AI chip marks a transformative shift in the auto industry. As Chinese automakers like Xpeng gain expertise and emphasize technology, they are set to disrupt traditional automotive norms. The Volkswagen-Xpeng partnership is just the beginning of this evolution towards smarter, AI-driven vehicles.
