German automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is investing in autonomous driving company Chongqing Qianli Technology to bolster its software capabilities in China. Mercedes plans to acquire a minority stake in Qianli. This investment is expected to be formalized soon.

Mercedes Makes Autonomous Investment in the Chinese Market

Qianli’s biggest supporter is Geely, which is also a partner of Mercedes. The brand has consolidated its autonomous driving assets under the Qianli umbrella and made the company the primary platform for its own intelligent driving technologies.

With this investment, Qianli is expected to provide software and technology support for Mercedes’ new models for the Chinese market. According to sources, Mercedes and Geely are also discussing collaboration on internal combustion engine technologies.

These steps indicate that German automotive manufacturers are shifting their market strategies in China. Faced with increasing competition from domestic brands like BYD and Xiaomi, European manufacturers are developing models specifically for China and strengthening their local partnerships. This suggests that Mercedes is also deepening its collaboration with local technology companies in China to remain competitive. This strategic move could allow Mercedes to adapt more quickly to the needs and pace of the local autonomous driving market. Given China’s rapid advancement in autonomous driving technologies, this investment represents not only a technology transfer for Mercedes but also a vital step toward maintaining its competitive position in the Chinese market.

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