Image Source: SAIC Maxus

TMTPOST -- SAIC Motor has kicked off a major overhaul of its commercial vehicle business, unveiling a bold new strategy for SAIC Maxus at the 2024 Shanghai Auto Show. The brand will now operate as a standalone business unit, with a sharper focus on electrification, smart technology, and global expansion.

Yang Huaijing, Chairman of SAIC's Commercial Vehicle Executive Committee, will lead Maxus in this next chapter. The company aims to speed up decision-making, streamline operations, and compete more effectively in a fast-changing market.

As traditional auto giants like Daimler and Volvo go electric—and startups like Tesla push the boundaries with intelligent trucks—SAIC Maxus faces rising pressure. Domestic rivals such as BYD and FAW Jiefang are also intensifying their new energy push. Maxus's answer: tighter focus, stronger execution, and deeper collaboration.

Under the new structure, Maxus will prioritize wide-body vans, pickup trucks, and MPVs. Yang says each new model must be a hit—"no room for duds." Highlight models include the futuristic Interstellar X and the Cyberster concept.

The company is also integrating with Nanjing Iveco and syncing across R&D, production, and services to boost speed and efficiency. The larger goal is to build a seamless "Maxus ecosystem" for commercial mobility.

At the heart of this ecosystem are four strategic goals. First, deliver low total cost of ownership with vehicles that last longer and cost less to maintain. Second, create value for ecosystem partners through bundled offerings in finance, charging, and services. Third, scale up to 500,000 annual sales by 2030, with leadership in exports and light commercial segments. And fourth, break through in technology—with AI-powered services, smart vehicles, and niche high-end products.

A key highlight from the auto show was Maxus's deeper partnership with Huawei. The two companies will co-develop intelligent models, starting with the T90 pickup, which features Huawei's cockpit and off-road route planning. They also unveiled plans for autonomous buses using V2X and AI.

Yang says Huawei's tech credibility gives Maxus a critical edge, especially with younger, digitally minded customers. That's also reflected in Maxus's new slogan: "Young Entrepreneurs · A Better Life."

As traditional car buying shifts online, Maxus is focusing on digital engagement and brand education. The company hopes to connect with the next generation of drivers by showing how Maxus products can fuel their ambitions.

With SAIC's backing and Huawei's tech firepower, SAIC Maxus is betting big on the future of smart, electric commercial vehicles. Its transformation is not just about staying in the game—it's about reshaping it.