(Yicai Global) May 9 -- A new energy vehicle arm of Beijing Automotive Group has launched the first vehicle that carries the brand 'Huawei Inside,' referring to the Chinese telecoms giant's autonomous driving software.

The HI version of car manufacturer BAIC BJEV's ArcFox Alpha S is the first mass-produced vehicle that is marked with the logo, Yicai Global learned. 

This is not Huawei's first car collaboration but the above-mentioned model is the first one that features its smart driving solutions whereas the design, production, and sales of the product are taken care of by the car manufacturing partner.

The sedan comes in two versions, priced at CNY397,900 (USD59,700) and CNY429,900. The high-end version competes in the same segment as Tesla and Nio in China.

Huawei has repeatedly said it will not manufacture its own vehicles. The HI version involves one of the commercial cooperation methods that Huawei is using to enter the automotive industry while not participating in manufacturing, Yu Chengdong, chief executive of the Shenzhen-based firm's automotive unit, said to Yicai Global.

BAIC BJEV is in charge of the main sales channels of the ArcFox Alpha S HI even though the product can also be seen in some of Huawei's retail stores, said Yu. 

Besides BAIC, two other Chinese car companies, namely Chang’an Auto and GAC Group, are developing smart vehicles with Huawei's software. Such a revamped version of Chang’an Auto's Avita brand was revealed last November, expected to start taking reservations in the second quarter of this year. GAC's level-four autonomous driving vehicle, developed in collaboration with Huawei, should begin mass production in 2024.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi