NavInfo unveils smart car solution for volume brands

Chinese software company NavInfo has unveiled an affordable one-stop package solution for volume car brands to make their vehicle smart, as such features have become a must-have for new models to hit the market.

In China, vehicles with Level 2 plus features will account for 27 percent of total sales in 2025 and soar to 39 percent in 2026, according to Bi Lei, senior vice-president of the company.

Statistics show that around half of passenger vehicle models in the Chinese market are priced between 100,000 yuan ($13,813) and 200,000 yuan, but high-level smart driving features, including navigate-on-pilot functions, are rarely seen in them.

One reason of their manufacturers' reluctance is their meagre gross profit margin, which is usually less than 10 percent, despite their considerable sales volume.

NavInfo said its solution, called NI in Car, integrates smart in-cabin features and advanced driving-assist functions.

Thanks to its expertise and collaboration with local partners, such functions are made available at a lower cost, which is crucial for volume brands.

Among other things, its subsidiary AutoChips Inc focuses on the research, development, and design of automotive microchips and related systems. It has rolled out over 300 million chips so far.

"We offer our clients a wide selection of items to choose from," said Pan Shuyue, an executive at NavInfo's smart driving business unit.

"Our goal is to help those car manufacturers to win with our solution that integrates both hardware and software and offers them good value for money," she said.