Leapmotor’s Bold Steps in Assisted Driving: A Vision for 2025
At the recent Chengdu Auto Show, Leapmotor’s Senior Vice President, Cao Li, shared insights into the company’s ambitious plans for assisted driving. In a group interview on August 31, he discussed Leapmotor’s increased investment in this technology and outlined a strategic roadmap for its future.
Strategic Investment in Assisted Driving
Cao emphasized that Leapmotor has significantly boosted its investment in assisted driving over the past two years. The company’s strategy focuses on a few key areas: embedding hardware across its entire lineup, ensuring robust safety mechanisms, and continuously enhancing software capabilities. Cao forecasted that Leapmotor will enter the leading tier of assisted driving technology by the first half of next year. “You can look forward to our upcoming models and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates,” he stated confidently.
A Commitment to In-House Development
When asked about potential collaborations with suppliers in the assisted driving sector, Cao reiterated Leapmotor’s commitment to in-house research and development. He mentioned that while the company remains open to discussions about cooperative efforts in the future, the core components of their vehicles will be self-developed. “Zero Run has always maintained a relatively open attitude,” he noted, emphasizing that they prioritize their own competitive systems and components.
Growth and Talent Pool
Reflecting on the growth of Leapmotor’s team, Cao highlighted the significant expansion of the intelligent driving unit. Last year, the team consisted of over 200 members, and this year, it has grown to more than 500—an impressive increase of over 150%. The team’s average age is only 29, with more than 90% of members holding master’s or doctoral degrees from some of the top universities in the country (985/211). This infusion of young and highly educated talent is expected to drive Leapmotor’s technological advancements further.
Upcoming Models and Features
Cao also revealed details about the company’s upcoming models. The Zero Running Wutu City Pilot is set to hit the roads by the end of this year, which signifies a meaningful step toward real-world application of their advanced assisted driving technology. Moreover, the end-to-end model is expected to launch in 2026, marking another significant milestone for Leapmotor.
As for model advancements, the VLM/VLA mockup is anticipated to be showcased in vehicles next year. These developments underscore Leapmotor’s commitment to not only keep pace with industry advancements but also to lead the charge in innovations that enhance driving safety and user experience.
Conclusion
Leapmotor is at a pivotal moment in its journey, poised to make significant advancements in assisted driving technology. With a robust strategic framework, a commitment to in-house development, and a growing, talented workforce, the company aims to establish itself in the forefront of the automotive industry by 2025. As updated models and technologies roll out, customers and stakeholders alike can look forward to innovative features that prioritize safety and efficiency.
Stay tuned for more updates from Leapmotor as they continue to shape the future of assisted driving in the automotive landscape.
