Frank Wu, CDO of Jidu Auto, introduces the Jidu Robo X at the Guangzhou auto show on Nov 15. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Jidu Auto, the joint venture of Baidu and Geely, aims to provide futuristic design with the latest technology in their vehicles, which will serve people like a robot, said Frank Wu, chief design officer of the automaker, in a recent interview with China Daily.
Insisting on original design since its establishment, Frank said that his mission is to make the Jidu brand represent China as the best industry design worldwide.
Once participated in the design of five Cadillac models at Detroit-based General Motors, Frank now leverages his experience to innovate in auto design at the in-house Jidu design lab.
He believes that future vehicles should be a tool that helps people save time and improve efficiency. They aim to create cars that can handle daily tasks such as arranging schedules, booking tickets and more, seamlessly integrating these functions into the driving experience.
At the ongoing Guangzhou auto show, the automaker premiered the Robo X, an electric supercar tailored for the AI era. The model exemplifies a blend of simplistic yet stylish design and cutting-edge AI technology.
Following the “Less is More” philosophy by integrating all sensors, cameras and functional components into the vehicle’s intelligent AI partner SIMO, it achieves a pure and efficient design inside and out.
Measuring 4,650 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width and 1,195 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm, the car boasts a perfect front-to-rear weight distribution of 50:50. It incorporates multiple aero devices including Aero shield Rim and Active Spoiler, achieving an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of only 0.198 and accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 1.9 seconds.
The model has started pre-sales at the Guangzhou auto show and mass production expected in 2027. The model has won the Red Dot Award and German Design Award, according to Frank.
Besides the Robo X, the Jidu 07 and 01 have won three worldwide design awards: the Red Dot, iF and Good Design Awards. It makes Jidu the first Chinese auto brand to win the “Design Triple Crown” for mass-produced vehicles.
So far, the automaker has won more than 20 international design awards, showcasing China’s original auto design capabilities on the world stage.
Xia Yiping, CEO of Jidu, said he believes Jidu will have profound influence on Chinese smart car design for the next 20 years.