Changan Automobile recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ehang Intelligent, a leader in urban air traffic solutions. The two parties will establish a joint venture for the research and development, production, sales and operation of flying cars, taking an important step towards realizing low-altitude economy and a new three-dimensional transportation ecology, which is of groundbreaking significance in the automotive industry.
Changan Automobile, a well-known Chinese automobile brand that has always been at the forefront of innovation, unveiled an ambitious plan for cutting-edge technology products, including flying cars and humanoid robots, at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The company has pledged to invest more than RMB 50 billion over the next five years, with a special focus on the flying car sector, where it plans to invest more than RMB 20 billion. The investment is expected to accelerate the development of the flying car industry, with the first flying car to be released in 2026 and the humanoid robot expected to be launched by 2027.
This cooperation with Ehang Intelligent is a strategic move for both parties to complement each other’s strengths. Changan will leverage its deep accumulation in the automotive field, and Ehang will leverage its leading experience in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology. The two sides will jointly develop technologically advanced flying car products and supporting infrastructure with strong market demand, covering R&D, manufacturing, marketing, channel development, user experience, after-sales maintenance and other aspects, to promote the commercialization of flying cars and Ehang’s unmanned eVTOL products.
EHang has become a major player in the low-altitude economy, having completed more than 56,000 safe flights in 18 countries. The company actively works with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national civil aviation authorities to promote regulatory innovation in the industry. Notably, EHang’s EH216-S was recognized as the world’s first eVTOL aircraft to obtain the “three certificates” - type certificate, production certificate and standard airworthiness certificate, demonstrating its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
The EH216-S also played an important role in the formation of EHang’s business model, which combines unmanned low-altitude flight technology with applications such as aerial tourism, city sightseeing and emergency rescue services. This innovative approach has made EHang a leader in the low-altitude economy industry, focusing on multiple modes such as manned transportation, cargo delivery and emergency response.
Changan Automobile Chairman Zhu Huarong highlighted the company’s future vision, saying that it will invest more than 100 billion yuan in the next decade to explore all-round three-dimensional mobility solutions on land, sea and air. This ambitious plan reflects Changan’s determination to not only advance its automotive products, but also to revolutionize the entire transportation landscape.
EHang’s financial performance further highlights the potential of this collaboration. In the third quarter of this year, EHang achieved a staggering revenue of 128 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 347.8% and a month-on-month increase of 25.6%. The company also achieved an adjusted net profit of 15.7 million yuan, a 10-fold increase from the previous quarter. In the third quarter, the cumulative delivery of EH216-S reached 63 units, setting a new record and demonstrating the growing demand for eVTOL solutions.
Looking ahead, EHang is expected to continue to grow, with revenues expected to be approximately RMB 135 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 138.5%. For the full year 2024, the company expects total revenues to reach RMB 427 million, a year-on-year increase of 263.5%. This positive trend highlights the increasing acceptance and demand for flying car technology, which Changan and EHang will take full advantage of through their strategic partnership.
In conclusion, the cooperation between Changan Automobile and EHang Intelligent represents an important milestone in the automotive industry, especially in the field of flying cars and low-altitude transportation. With substantial investment and a shared vision for the future, the two companies will redefine mobility and contribute to the development of a sustainable and innovative transportation ecosystem. As they work together to bring flying cars to the mass consumer market, Changan’s commitment to technological advancement and EHang’s expertise in urban air mobility will undoubtedly pave the way for a new era of transportation.
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Post time: Dec-26-2024