A new Chinese electric vehicle startup is touting its ability to monitor drivers’ health for serious incidents like heart attacks to help stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
A new Chinese electric vehicle startup is touting its ability to monitor drivers’ health for serious incidents like heart attacks to help stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
BeyonCa, led by Renault SA China head Soh Weiming, aims to announce its first production car in the first quarter of next year, with deliveries starting in 2024. GT. Opus 1 will be priced to compete with BMW car Series 7 of AG and Porsche AG of Taycan series, China’s best-selling ultra-premium EV – starting at 898,000 yuan ($123,000) and going up to 1.8 million yuan.
The vehicle will be fitted with sensors and cameras that can monitor the driver’s vital signs. If unusual symptoms are detected, an artificial intelligence assistant will start talking to the driver. If there is no response, the autonomous driving system will take over and bring the vehicle to safety. Virtual doctors can check on patients through the smart cockpit’s display.
“If we can save one life, that’s enough,” Soh said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.
After more than 15 years working at VW China, Soh has joined Renault last year, he spent time running the local unit of the European carmaker and building his new business – one in which Renault is also a strategic investor along with Dongfeng Motor Group Co.
According to 36kr, the startup has attracted many investors, including a commitment of more than 1 billion USD from Changjiang Capital which, according to 36kr, will make it one of the largest venture capital deals in the country. in this year. Soh said the startup is still working on the details of the deal.
With plenty of cash, BeyonCa wants to build “sexy, sporty cars” for China’s ultra-premium segment, Soh said.
China is “probably the largest luxury market in the world. Sure. This is not even a question. We’re talking millions, not hundreds,” he said. Ultra-premium electric vehicles will grow on the S-curve, and the S-curve will take off around 2025.”
However, the hefty price tag could make the Opus 1 difficult to sell in China, where more budget-friendly cars from BYD Co. are leading the way, especially for younger drivers.
“It’s a human concept, but my biggest question is whether this can become a selling point,” said Yale Zhang, managing director of Shanghai-based consulting firm Automotive Foresight. Unique item for the car. old. Most at this age think their bodies are great and may not be too concerned with their health. “
First published date: November 4, 2022, 08:07 AM IST
