BYD China Partners With Momenta To Develop Smart Car

China's BYD electric car is already roaming Europe. (photo: twitter)

JAKARTA – China's BYD and autonomous driving startup Momenta have formed a 100 million yuan (Rp 223 billion) joint venture to deploy autonomous driving capabilities across select BYD car model lines. This is confirmed by the statements of Momenta and someone familiar with the matter.

The new venture, called DiPi Intelligent Mobility Co and located in Shenzhen, combines BYD's capabilities as an automaker with Momenta's experience in intelligent driving, the statement said on Monday, December 27 as reported by Reuters.

BYD has invested 60 million yuan in the venture while Beijing-based Momenta has invested 40 million yuan, the sources said.

The source also stated that the initial scope of work will include deploying "Level 2 plus" autonomous driving capabilities in several vehicle model lines from China's electric car manufacturer BYD.

Level 2 semi-autonomous cars have technology that can handle almost all aspects of driving, from steering to acceleration and braking. However, at this level, the driver must be ready to intervene if necessary.

Asked about the contract, a BYD spokesperson referred to Momenta's press release. However, BYD declined to comment further on the contract. BYD itself is one of the suppliers of electric taxis that have been operated in Indonesia through the Blue Bird Group in recent years.