Polestar Automotive Holding UK PLC is entering into a strategic joint venture for the China market with the technology company Xingji Meizu Group.
By combining Polestar’s design and performance capabilities with the software and consumer electronics hardware development expertise of Xingji Meizu, the joint venture aims to enhance Polestar’s presence in the Chinese EV market.
The joint venture aims to transform Xingji Meizu’s existing technology platform, Flyme Auto, into a comprehensive operating system specifically tailored for Polestar vehicles sold in China. This upgraded system will encompass in-car apps, streaming services, and intelligent vehicle software. The seamless digital ecosystem will be further enriched by mobile and augmented reality devices, as well as customer apps. To facilitate this collaboration, approximately 130 commercial staff from Polestar’s Chinese operations will be transferred to the new company, which will serve as the exclusive authorized entity for Polestar sales and service in China.
Under the agreement, Polestar will hold a 49% stake in the joint venture company, while Xingji Meizu will own the remaining 51%. Xingji Meizu will assume responsibility for securing future financing for the joint venture, in addition to the initial capital contributions made by Polestar and Xingji Meizu.
China is one of the fastest growing EV markets in the world. It’s also a market with very specific consumer trends, including increasing levels of integration between consumer electronics devices and vehicles. By partnering with a company that has a strong complementary competence to our own, we will be able to offer the locally tailored user experience that both drivers and passengers expect.
Xingji Meizu is a renowned technology company dedicated to creating cutting-edge products that prioritize user experience and incorporate advanced technologies. With a workforce of approximately 2,600 employees, the company focuses on the development of a diverse range of mobile devices and wearable smart devices that leverage extended reality technologies. Their Flyme Auto operating system is set to be utilized in various electric vehicles, including the Lynk & Co 08. Notably, Xingji Meizu’s founder is Eric (Shufu) Li, who serves as the chairman of Geely Holding Group, one of China’s prominent automotive manufacturers and the ultimate beneficial owner of Polestar.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, says: “China is one of the fastest growing EV markets in the world. It’s also a market with very specific consumer trends, including increasing levels of integration between consumer electronics devices and vehicles. By partnering with a company that has a strong complementary competence to our own, we will be able to offer the locally tailored user experience that both drivers and passengers expect.”
Ziyu Shen, Xingji Meizu Chairman, says: “The future of our industry will be enabled by integrated devices and platforms that deliver an immersive experience for end users. With the support of the progressive technology of Xingji Meizu, Polestar will take the lead in the field of smart mobility. By working closely together, we will create even better products and offer users a seamless experience across a multitude of devices.”
Polestar continues to embrace its close collaboration with Google. Polestar cars in the rest of the world will still feature infotainment systems powered by Android Automotive OS. Polestar vehicles will benefit from the latest enhancements and developments showcased by Google at CES 2023. Developments include Google’s new HD map that will debut in Polestar 3, and the roll-out of remote actions for Polestar 2.
Polestar 3 is planned to be the first car in the world to feature Google’s new HD map – a comprehensive map that provides highly detailed and up-to-date road information. With the HD map, Polestar will be able to combine its vehicle sensor technology and Google’s precise lane-level and localisation data to facilitate driver assistance features like Pilot Assist, as well as future autonomous driving functionality.
