Meizu, a prominent Chinese smartphone manufacturer, is set to redefine its horizons with the imminent launch of its inaugural self-branded electric vehicle in early 2024. This pivotal step marks Meizu’s entry into the automotive sector, following its acquisition by the auto giant Geely in July of the preceding year.
The much-anticipated vehicle, named DreamCar MX, is poised to revolutionize the market with a myriad of customizable features spanning software personalization, interior aesthetics, and a spectrum of exterior car wrapping options. Leveraging Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the DreamCar MX will seamlessly integrate Meizu’s signature in-car operating system, FLyme Auto, promising a user experience reminiscent of its acclaimed smartphone interface.
Notably, reports indicate that Meizu 21 handset owners will enjoy a unique advantage: the ability to offset a portion of the DreamCar MX’s price, effectively acquiring the vehicle with no additional cost upon purchase. Prospective buyers are offered an extensive range of customization options, from personalized body paint selections to interior color coordination and customizable Flyme Auto themes. This positions the DreamCar MX as a trailblazer, hailed as the “world’s first mass-produced car with extensive user involvement in customization.”
In a strategic maneuver aimed at competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi, prominent players in the Chinese smartphone industry, Meizu has taken proactive measures by introducing Geely and Volvo co-branded Lynk & Co electric vehicles at its physical retail outlets across China. This preemptive move precedes Xiaomi’s slated entry into the consumer car market in the first half of 2024, intensifying the competition within this rapidly evolving landscape.
Geely’s proactive approach extends to mobile integration, evident in the establishment of Hubei Xingji Shidai Technology, an autonomous entity dedicated to this venture. Drawing talent from industry leaders such as ZTE, Xiaomi, and Oppo, Geely has invested significantly—an estimated 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion)—into this initiative, excluding expenses related to the Meizu acquisition.
Li Shufu, the visionary driving Geely’s stride into this convergence of technology, perceives mobile devices as gateways to broader automotive applications. He emphasizes the evolution of mobile devices into versatile terminals and application platforms, envisioning a future characterized by interconnected user ecosystems and enriched multi-screen experiences through seamless integration of mobile innovation and automotive advancements.
With substantial resources and an expansive portfolio encompassing Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Proton, and more, Geely’s subsidiaries—Lynk & Co, Geometry, and Zeekr—fortify the company’s commanding position in this transformative industry landscape. This diversified arsenal positions Geely and Meizu at the forefront of innovation, poised to redefine the boundaries of the electric vehicle market.
Statistical Representation (if available):
| Companies/Entities | Investments (in billion yuan) |
|---|---|
| Hubei Xingji Shidai Technology | 10 |
| Meizu Acquisition Expenses | Not disclosed |
| Geely Subsidiaries (Lynk & Co, Geometry, Zeekr) | Diversified Portfolio |
In conclusion, Meizu’s strategic foray into the electric vehicle sector, in collaboration with Geely, symbolizes a significant leap towards innovation and customization in the automotive industry. This pioneering endeavor is poised to redefine user engagement, setting a benchmark for personalized vehicular experiences, and consolidating Geely’s stature as a frontrunner in the dynamic landscape of future mobility.
