In the last few years, traditional technology giants have made significant strides in the automotive industry, challenging conventional auto OEMs. With the rise of new technologies like electric propulsion and autonomous driving, tech companies are venturing into the automobile sector. From Sony to Huawei, Apple to Xiaomi, these companies are making headlines with their automotive projects.
As legacy automakers and startups shift towards electric vehicles, global technology companies are also entering the market. Previously suppliers to auto manufacturers, tech giants like Apple, Xiaomi, Sony, and Huawei have evolved into new-age mobility companies and automobile manufacturers. However, their journey in the automotive world has not been without challenges.
Apple’s Project Titan, aimed at developing a fully autonomous electric car, faced setbacks due to rising costs and delays. After a decade since its inception in 2014, Apple recently called off the project, marking a significant turn in its automotive ambitions. On the other side of the globe, Xiaomi unveiled its first electric vehicle, the SU7, at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona. With a 101 kWh battery pack providing over 800 kilometers of range, Xiaomi’s entry into the EV market has been impressive.
Sony partnered with Honda to bring its electric car vision to life with the Afeela. Previously known as Vision S, the electric sedan prototype was showcased at CES 2023, with plans for a production model in 2026. Sony aims for the Afeela to serve as a testbed for futuristic technologies like autonomous driving. Similarly, Huawei established the Aito EV brand in 2021 in collaboration with Seres Group, launching several electric models like the M5, M7, and M9. Huawei’s move into smart electric cars includes the Luxeed S7 sedan, designed to compete with Tesla models in China.
In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, tech giants are redefining their roles by venturing into electric vehicles and smart mobility solutions. With each company bringing its unique approach to the table, the future of the automotive industry is set for exciting transformations.
