China's Geely unveils auto robotics brand Ji Yue

CHINESE automaker Geely Holding Group on Monday (Aug 14) unveiled a premium intelligent technology brand Ji Yue, which stems from Geely’s cooperation with Baidu Inc on “automotive robotics”.

It also introduced its first model, the Ji Yue 01, as the flagship model under the new brand to be produced by Geely. It is expected to debut in the last quarter of this year, the company said.

Baidu will provide its know-how in smart cockpits, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence technologies, which will be applied in Ji Yue cars, Geely added.

“Beyond overseeing sales, services, and marketing for the 01, Ji Yue will also build and develop its own charging network in China to meet consumer demand for smart intelligent electric vehicles,” said the statement.

Also on Monday, China’s industry ministry website showed that three electric vehicles under the Ji Yue brand were seeking regulatory approvals.

Geely had co-funded an electric vehicle venture Jidu with Baidu. The brand in June launched a “robot” concept car, marking the first vehicle co-developed by the automaker and Baidu, as global tech companies scramble to develop smart cars. REUTERS