Karaoke in the car? China’s new wave of gadget-laden electric vehicles

China's electric vehicle makers are equipping new models with entertainment features such as voice-activated AI assistants, film-projector headlights, karaoke systems, and VR cockpits to boost sales amid a domestic downturn. Zhao Zhen, sales director at Shanghai-based dealer Wan Zhuo Auto, said intelligent features are propelling sales because young Chinese drivers embrace new technologies, and local firms respond quickly to market demand. Consultancy AlixPartners said this collective effort helps Chinese brands stand out from global competitors.

Karaoke in the car? China’s new wave of gadget-laden electric vehicles China’s carmakers are competing to turn their vehicles into digital entertainment hubs, offering everything from film projectors to VR features Daniel Ren /author/daniel-ren in Shanghai China’s electric vehicles EVs https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3351186/chinese-ev-makers-bet-house-chips-make-cars-smarter-and-more-autonomous?module=inline&pgtype=article already lead the way in terms of battery and autonomous driving technologies. Now, the country’s auto brands are adding a new dimension to the notion of intelligent cars: turning them into full-scale entertainment centres. A new wave of Chinese-developed EVs is hitting the market equipped with everything from voice-activated artificial intelligence AI assistants, to headlights that double up as film projectors and karaoke systems. Some even feature immersive digital cockpits with integrated virtual reality technology. sales downturn in the domestic market https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3363737/chinas-ev-sales-slide-again-amid-fading-incentives-weak-demand-and-persistent-price-war?module=inline&pgtype=article . “Intelligent features are propelling sales because of young Chinese drivers’ willingness to embrace new technologies,” said Zhao Zhen, a sales director at Shanghai-based dealer Wan Zhuo Auto. “More importantly, Chinese carmakers, technology firms and auto component suppliers are able to respond to market demand quickly and their in-vehicle entertainment facilities are becoming more affordable to consumers.” The Chinese auto industry’s collective effort to create more autonomous, intelligent EVs has helped China’s brands stand out from their global competitors, according to consultancy AlixPartners.