While Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA), Apple Inc. (APPL) and Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) continue to experiment with their driverless cars, Alibaba Group (BABA) has launched a different kind of 'connected' car based on the 'Internet of Things'. Here's a look at the company's innovative car.
The Machine
Dubbed as the OS’Car RX5 sport utility vehicle, Alibaba has developed the SUV over the past two years in collaboration with SAIC Motor Corp, which is one of the top four carmakers in China. It is an equal partnership $160 million project between Alibaba and SAIC. The car is ready to be pre-ordered now, and prices start from RMB 148,800 (around $US22,300) with delivery expected to start in August.
The Features
The car does not offer any autopilot mode or self-driving functions, but it hosts a variety of features, making it compatible with many services available through the internet. Based on the latest version of Alibaba’s proprietary Yun operating system, the connected car and its systems can be easily connected to internet-based services. The Yun OS-based ‘car on the Internet’ will enhance the traveler’s experience beyond driving. Smart OS is hailed as the car's secondary engine, and data will serve as the secondary fuel for the new breed of smart cars.
For instance, using their smartphone, the driver can control the car's temperature, select a playlist and choose a preferred driving route. In turn, the driver's preferences and data from past trips will be used to make the next trip more efficient and enjoyable. Alibaba’s existing ecosystem will be an integral part of the car, which will facilitate services like paying for parking space, filling up fuel, or even paying for a coffee, through the Alipay payment service. Imagine going to a crowded area with the convenience of instructing the car through voice commands to locate the nearest available parking, reserve the slot, and pay for your parking ticket. (For more, see: Uber, Alibaba Form Worldwide Payments Partnership)
Alibaba already has a large gamut of customer data which will be utilized to offer customized features based on individual preferences. Each driver will be assigned a unique Internet ID, which will enable the Yun OS to recognize the individual and make useful recommendations for an enhanced trip experience. The navigation and mapping system will work even without Wi-Fi or GPS connection, and voice control features will add to a better ride experience.
The car comes fitted with three LED screens for in-car entertainment, and also offers four detachable cameras for ride recording and video communication.
With Alibaba being a major shareholder in the ride-sharing firm Didi Chuxing, the Alibaba smart cars may serve Didi customers in future. It may take a while to observe how the public receives the car, but for now, the launch of a new stream of the feature-rich car has added a new dimension to Alibaba’s business. (For more, see Alibaba Stock: Capital Structure Analysis)
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