GAC Group, one of China’s leading traditional automotive enterprises, is rapidly advancing its efforts in smart driving technology. Recently, the company’s board approved a decision for its wholly-owned subsidiary, GAC Capital, to invest $27 million in Pony.ai. Additionally, GAC Components, another wholly-owned subsidiary, has committed 550 million RMB (approximately $78 million) to acquire a 30% stake in Changan Automobile’s subsidiary, ChenZhi Technology, which focuses on the development of intelligent automotive chassis systems.

According to a report by The First Financial Daily, as competition in the smart technology sector intensifies, GAC Group is making significant strides to catch up with the autonomous driving trend and address its own shortcomings in this area.

Within GAC’s autonomous driving supply chain, companies like Pony.ai and WeRide are key players providing autonomous driving solutions.

Analysts suggest that given GAC’s relatively slow progress in developing its own smart technologies, the company is opting for joint ventures and investments with suppliers like Pony.ai and WeRide to enhance its control over autonomous driving technology.