SAIC Maxus unveiled its super hybrid technology at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, and started pre-selling two models equipped with this technology – the Maxus 9 Super Hybrid and the Maxus 7 Super Hybrid. With the support of super hybrid technology, SAIC Maxus will establish a strong competitive position in the mainstream power system of fuel, pure electric, and plug-in hybrid in the MPV market. Sina Auto interviewed top executives of SAIC Maxus for the first time, discussing technology, user co-creation, market competition, and the expansion of the company overseas. SAIC Maxus will deeply cultivate the MPV market in all areas. As a company that started with MPVs, SAIC Maxus has received acclaim both domestically and internationally for its Maxus series. This year’s Beijing Auto Show pre-sold two Maxus models equipped with super hybrid technology, playing a crucial role in the competitive MPV market with different power systems. Currently, the overall market share of new energy MPVs is around 30%, with pure electric models accounting for about 6% and hybrid models holding a share of 24%-25%. In the first quarter of this year, there has been a noticeable increase in growth momentum in this segment market. SAIC Maxus estimates that the overall market share of new energy MPVs in 2024 will further expand, accounting for 40%-50% of the entire MPV market.
With the launch of the Jiayu 9 and Jiayu 7 hybrid versions, SAIC Maxus believes that the two models are partners in exploring the market and driving industry progress with models like the GAC E9 and GAC E8, rather than competitors. The two hybrid models in the Jiayu series target the market share space of 250,000-350,000 yuan (48300$) price range. In this segment, there are no other competing models, which is a precise market judgment made by SAIC Maxus. This decision will lead to the expected increase in sales of the Jiayu 7 and Jiayu 9 hybrid versions, with the two models officially starting product delivery on May 28th.
Compared to other hybrid MPVs, SAIC Maxus’ ultra-hybrid technology ACIS is equipped with a DHT ultra-hybrid special transmission. It uses a P1 and P3 dual-motor structure. The system has five advantages. The power and torque of the P3 motor are strong. The peak power of the P3 drive motor is 176 kW and 390 Nm. The fuel engine has an output power of 110 kW and a peak torque of 235 Nm. The combined power of the engine and the P3 motor is the highest. The structural design is differentiated. SAIC Maxus is the first company to make the P1 motor and generator clutch coaxial. Compared to other companies with parallel axis structures, it has higher space efficiency. NVH capability. The P1 coaxial structure design brings material cost and space savings, reducing gear running noise. The battery is designed for direct cooling, with refrigerant entering the battery compartment for internal heat exchange, instead of using liquid cooling as before. Single gear design. When the engine intervenes, it can maximize electromagnetic induction, making it easier for the engine to intervene and make greater use of the P3 output power. For ultra-hybrid technology, SAIC Maxus has put its heart into it. Of course, in the innovative field of new energy, SAIC Maxus also has a considerable technical accumulation. Ultra-hybrid technology will be installed on front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive models this year. In addition, SAIC Maxus will continue to promote the comprehensive energy technology route, such as pure electric, hybrid, and hydrogen energy. The latest technology will be promoted to overseas markets to establish the high-end MPV product label “Made in China.” SAIC Maxus CEO Hao Jingxian stated that hybrid technology will dominate the MPV market in the short to medium term, while pure electric technology will be the main trend in the medium to long term. SAIC Group is the only car manufacturer that has been conducting hydrogen fuel cell research for 23 years and has successfully commercialized it. SAIC Maxus has already launched the FCV80 and the world’s first high-end hydrogen fuel cell MPV, the Maxus Hydrogen. SAIC Maxus focuses on the full lifecycle of its products, involving user co-creation in design, production, manufacturing, and delivery. In response to the highly competitive marketing strategies in the industry, SAIC Maxus innovated by offering pre-orders for the 7 and 9 Super Hybrid versions for only 77 yuan (10$) and 99 yuan (10$), respectively. This approach aims to bring users closer to the brand. Hao Jingxian stated that this is the user co-creation customization model of SAIC Maxus, reflecting the company’s consistent philosophy and approach. This model not only applies after the product is launched but also forms a system through direct user interaction, utilizing digital technology in the factory and innovating in live streaming operations and new media communication.
SAIC Maxus achieved high traffic in global live broadcasts: total views reached 303,000, 303% higher than usual, attracting hundreds of personal customers, overseas Chinese customers, and domestic customers interested in exporting cars, with leads exceeding daily by 87%. SAIC Maxus has brought the trend of “rolling” overseas, attracting industry professionals’ attention to the need to “roll out” instead of “rolling in”. The sales and influence of SAIC Maxus overseas are remarkable, with our new energy products in developed countries such as the UK, Norway, Italy, and Spain ranking first or second in market share in 2022 and 2023. In the UK market, the performance of the full product line from January to March is impressive. SAIC Maxus Haotingxian said, “The industry is indeed rolling, but the key is to roll out value.” Hong Kong’s performance will replace models such as Alphard The SAIC Maxus family series, known as MIFA-MPV in Hong Kong, has shown a trend to replace traditional commercial MPVs like Toyota Alphard and Vellfire. According to data provided by SAIC Maxus, the Maxus 9 took the top spot in overall MPV sales in Hong Kong from January to November last year, surpassing Alphard, Vellfire, and other models. In the first three months of this year, the Maxus 9 remains the top MPV in the Hong Kong market. The “Maxus” series MPVs are also the first choice for many Hong Kong celebrities, such as Wong Cho Lam, Michael Tse, and Benz Chen. The overall functionality and aesthetics of the car are highly suitable for the driving scenes in the Hong Kong market, balancing economic affordability and aesthetic needs.
SAIC Datong’s Hao Jingxian stated that in 2024, the 9 Super Hybrid and 7 Super Hybrid will be launched in Hong Kong and global markets. The large electric pickup truck GST concept will be globally released in September this year. The new energy “Dana” series will be upgraded this year.