(Yicai) Dec. 21 -- Huawei Technologies aims to build around as many partner stores in one year as startup Li Auto did in four years to sell smart electric vehicles, tech media 36Kr reported today.

The maker of phones and automotive software is expected to open around 800 stores with its partners across China next year and add another 200 by 2025, 36Kr wrote, citing a document that the Shenzhen-based firm reportedly confirmed to be true. In comparison, Li Auto has nearly 800 stores in total, built since 2019.

Huawei is seeking allies for such user centers that will sell and deliver automobiles with after-sale services in 78 Chinese cities.

Huawei offers carmakers several partnership models and the most comprehensive one is called the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance which means that the telecoms company not only delivers automotive software but also participates in vehicle design and marketing. Based on the HIMA mode, Huawei has teamed with Seres and Chery Automobile on four vehicles. It is also expected to launch new HIMA-based models with JAC Group and Changan Automobile.

It will be a challenge to sell several models of different brands and provide after-sales services all in one store. Salespersons of Aito, an electric vehicle brand of Seres and Huawei, said to 36Kr that HIMA vehicles will only be available at Huawei's special stores. Huawei’s mobile application for smart driving shows that Shanghai already has such service centers.

Editor: Emmi Laine