Mercedes-Benz Takes Strategic Stake in Chinese Autonomous Driving Firm
梅赛德斯–奔驰战略入股中国自动驾驶企业
Mercedes-Benz has completed the acquisition of a minority stake in Chongqing Qianli Technology, a Chinese autonomous driving systems developer, as part of its broader push to strengthen its presence and partnerships in China’s fast-evolving automotive and technology sectors. The German luxury carmaker purchased a 3 per cent stake valued at 1.34 billion yuan (US$191 million), three months after the deal was initially announced.
梅赛德斯-奔驰近日完成对中国自动驾驶系统开发商重庆千里科技的少数股权收购，进一步强化其在中国这一全球最大汽车市场的布局。该公司以13.4亿元人民币（约1.91亿美元）收购了千里科技3%的股份，距离交易首次公布约三个月。
The transaction was carried out through Mercedes-Benz Digital Technology, the company’s technology-focused subsidiary, and involved Shanghai-listed Lifan Holdings transferring 135.6 million shares of Qianli at a price of 9.87 yuan per share. Prior to the deal, Lifan Holdings—once China’s leading motorcycle manufacturer—held more than 5 per cent of Qianli’s shares. Following the transaction, Mercedes-Benz became the fifth-largest shareholder in the company.
此次交易由梅赛德斯-奔驰数字科技部门完成，上海上市公司力帆控股以每股9.87元的价格转让了1.356亿股股份。交易前，曾是中国最大摩托车制造商的力帆控股持有千里科技超过5%的股份；交易完成后，梅赛德斯-奔驰成为千里科技第五大股东。
Mercedes-Benz emphasised that the share transfer would not alter Qianli’s controlling shareholders or its actual controllers, nor would it trigger any changes related to acquisition offers. The company also committed to maintaining its stake for at least 12 months, signalling a longer-term strategic interest rather than a short-term financial investment.
梅赛德斯-奔驰表示，此次股份转让不会改变千里科技的控股股东或实际控制人，也不会影响相关收购安排。同时，公司承诺至少12个月内不减持股份，显示其长期战略合作意图。
The deal comes amid growing regulatory openness in China toward foreign automakers’ use of artificial intelligence. Last month, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Volvo became the first overseas carmakers approved to deploy AI-powered chatbots in vehicles sold in China. Regulators in Beijing and Shanghai separately registered and approved generative AI services including the “Mercedes-Benz virtual assistant,” Tesla Shanghai’s xBot, and Volvo’s local chatbot Xiao Wo.
该交易也发生在中国监管层对外资车企AI应用逐步放开的背景下。上月，梅赛德斯-奔驰、特斯拉和沃尔沃成为首批获准在中国车载系统中部署AI聊天机器人的外国车企，显示相关审批节奏可能加快。
