Great Wall's Self-Driving Car Division Unexpectedly Halts Operations

Haomo.AI, a startup developing autonomous driving systems that evolved from Great Wall Motor (GWM), halted all operations this week. According to Chinese media, employees were told not to come to work from November 24. No explanations or plans were presented.

What is known

On November 22, Haomo.AI employees received an oral notification from the HR department: from November 24, "there is no need to come to work." The company did not publish an official statement, did not offer compensation, and did not inform whether work will resume at all.

When journalists visited Haomo.AI offices in Beijing and Shanghai, they found empty workspaces, turned-off equipment, and no staff. Employees in Beijing spoke about salary delays and months-long debts, frozen company bank accounts, disconnected communication channels, and no response from management.

Haomo.AI was founded in November 2019 after a separation from Great Wall's internal intelligent driving division. With the support of Great Wall as the main investor and client, the company developed the HPilot driver assistance and autopilot system, which was installed in more than 20 GWM-branded models.

At its peak, the startup enjoyed strong support from investors, and its valuation, according to media reports, exceeded $1 billion. However, in recent months, there have been reports of cash flow shrinkage, layoffs, and changes in top management. Insiders say the company failed to make its technology widespread and did not secure stable commercial orders.

At the moment, neither Haomo.AI nor Great Wall Motor has issued an official statement to clarify whether this is a temporary suspension, a complete closure, or restructuring. Several hundred employees remain uncertain about unpaid salaries, social contributions, and their professional future.

Source: Carnewschina