Geely Vision Starburst concept shown
Back in September 2021, Geely Holding Group Chairman, Eric Li, announced that the company would be entering the mobile devices sector under Hubei Xingji Shidai Technology. It was more than just words as it has just purchased a majority stake in Chinese smartphone maker, Meizu Technology Co.
This is based on a Caixin report which cited an announcement from the State Administration of Market Regulation. Geely’s mobile division bought a 79% stake in Meizu from its founder and a unit of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
As the automotive sector is becoming intertwined with the mobile device sector and vice versa, Geely’s entry into the smartphone market might not seem too far-fetched. Back when Li first announced the company’s intention to enter the smartphone race, he intended to “focus on integrating global technologies and resources to develop premium smart devices including smartphones to global consumers”.
“Mobile phones and devices have quickly evolved into mobile terminals and application platforms which not only allow users to enjoy the fruits of innovation in the quickest manner possible, they also act as a pathway to greater automotive applications. There is a close connection in technologies within intelligent vehicle cockpits and smartphone software technologies.” Li added at the time.
Sony Vision S-02 concept car shown
Some tech companies have also ventured into the autonomous and electric vehicle (EV) space with Xiaomi, Huawei, and Oppo interested to throw their hat into the automotive world. The Chinese aren’t the only tech giants looking to mass-produce a car, Sony is also interested too and has collaborated with Honda.
Jidu ROBO-01 shown, a joint effort between Geely and Baidu
Meanwhile, Geely and Baidu Inc (China's Google) have invested around USD 700 million into their electric car joint venture Jidu. Last week, Jidu revealed the ROBO-01, the company’s first concept ‘robocar’ that is planned to enter production in 2023.
As for Meizu, Alibaba initially invested in the smartphone maker in the hopes of penetrating the lucrative smartphone market. Some of you might be wondering “Mei-who?” and you might not be the only one as the company never took off against more established rivals like Xiaomi and Huawei.
Geely’s adventure beyond automobiles seems to have just begun as it launched the first batch of satellites into space last week. Could we see the GKUI make its way into smartphones in the next few years?
Keyword: After cars and satellites, Geely enters the smartphone race by taking over Meizu from Alibaba