On 22/4, the Shangjie Z7, a collaborative product between SAIC and Huawei, encountered an issue at the launch event for new products from the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). The new models introduced included the Shangjie Z7, Shangjie Z7T, Aito M6, Luxeed V9, and Aito M9.

Video: Weibo

Earlier, four vehicles, different versions of the Shangjie Z7 and Shangjie Z7T in various colors, were on stage. After the presentation concluded, three of the vehicles drove off, but the red one remained in place.

The employee entered the driver's seat and made several attempts to start the car, but it did not move. He then exited, closed the door, seemingly waited a few seconds, and re-entered the vehicle. Still, the car did not budge. Even as the Aito M6 from the Seres group brand took the stage, the red Z7 stayed in its original position.

Huawei later stated this was part of a pre-planned procedure, leading to accusations of an attempted cover-up.

Four Shangjie versions on stage before the incident. Photo: Chen Xiyue

The Shangjie Z7 and Z7T were the most prominent models at the event. Positioned as a C-segment electric coupe and an electric shooting brake, respectively, they target young consumers.

The Z7 comes in three versions: Max, priced between 219,800 and 299,800 CNY (32,200-43,900 USD). The shooting brake Z7T version is 10,000 CNY higher.

Both the Z7 and Z7T come standard with five core technologies: Huawei Qiankun ADS 4.1, lidar sensor, Huawei Whale 800 V high-voltage battery platform, Huawei Harmony Cockpit, and Huawei Tuling platform.

The Shangjie Z7 (red circle) remained on stage during the introduction of the Aito M6 (yellow circle). Photo: Weibo

For intelligent driving support, the vehicles feature the world's highest-resolution 896-line lidar sensor and a multi-sensor fusion system. This system supports autonomous positioning without maps in urban areas and multi-scenario parking assistance.

The Z7 Max version is equipped with an 82 kWh battery, offering a CLTC range of 732 km. The Max+ version upgrades to a 100 kWh battery, extending the range to 905 km and adding an air suspension system. The high-performance Ultra version features a four-wheel drive system with a combined output of 582 horsepower, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 3,44 seconds.

The chassis uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear suspension across the entire product line. Higher-end versions offer optional air suspension and a CDC electromagnetic damping system. All models use a standard 800 V high-voltage platform, supporting five minutes of fast charging for over 200 km of added range.

According to Gasgoo, data shows these two products received 12,000 orders in just 27 minutes. Jia Jianxu, president of SAIC, revealed in a video that actual pre-orders for the Shangjie Z7 (including the Z7T) exceeded 80,000 units. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of may.

My Anh