Alibaba and SAIC Collectively Launch first Internet Car RX5

Alibaba has officially announced its move into the automobile space. Alibaba and SAIC Collectively Launch first Internet Car RX5. SAIC is one of China’s big four state-owned automakers. The RX5 is available for pre-order now, it’s priced upwards of RMB 148,800 ($22,300) and will be delivered in August this year.

Alibaba and SAIC Collectively Launch first Internet Car RX5

Alibaba in collaboration with SAIC has been developing sports vehicle over the last two years which put a combined $160 million into the 50-50 project. The project also includes a new version of Alibaba’s Yun operating system. This operating system will enable the car to connect to and tap into various internet services.

“What we are creating is not ‘internet in the car’, but a ‘car on the internet’. This is a significant milestone in the automobile industry. Smart operating systems become the second engine of cars, while data is the new fuel,”

said Dr. Wang Jian, chairman of Alibaba’s ‘Technology Steering Committee.’

“Going forward, cars will become an important platform for internet services and smart hardware innovation. We will be embracing a world where everything is closely connected,”

Wang added.

The RX5 includes three LED screens and space for up to four detachable 360 degree cameras to record video and take photos and also to take selfies in car. It also includes a smart rear view mirror. There is also a support for voice controls while an onboard “intelligent” mapping system. The companies claim that it will work without GPS or WiFi.

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