The IM LS9 Hyper highlights Jiading's role in intelligent EV technology. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
SAIC Motor's delivery to its 100 millionth customer has put Shanghai's Jiading district in the spotlight, highlighting its evolution from an automotive manufacturing base into a hub for next-generation intelligent electric vehicle technologies.
The IM LS9 Hyper, SAIC Motor's flagship six-seat SUV, is the milestone model. Although it is not produced in Jiading, its technology definition, vehicle architecture, intelligent driving algorithms and operating decisions were shaped at the IM smart innovation center in Anting.
"We believe the cross-generational technologies for the 'new three core systems' of new energy vehicles are steer-by-wire chassis, preinstalled advanced intelligent driving hardware and an all-domain 800V architecture," said Xu Ji, public relations director of IM Motors.
The IM LS9 Hyper features fully steer-by-wire four-wheel steering, 520-line ultra-vision LiDAR, NVIDIA's Thor chip, the IM AD system co-developed with Momenta, and Stellar super range extenders, giving it a combined range of more than 1,400 kilometers.
"These new technologies can support future autonomous driving and AI functions, so users will not feel outdated after three, five or even 10 years," Xu said.
Jiading's testing and R&D ecosystem supports that ambition. The Anting center covers nearly 20,000 square meters, has 22 laboratories and can accommodate 220 test vehicles, while local intelligent connected vehicle test roads provide data for algorithm iteration and safety verification. Anting has attracted more than 1,240 automotive supply chain companies, reinforcing the district's role in the EV value chain.