On September 20, Wei Jianjun, chairman of Great Wall Motor (GWM), announced the successful development and testing of the company’s independently designed Zijing M100 automotive-grade chip. The Zijing M100 chip is China’s first automotive-grade processor, primarily designed using the open-source RISC-V architecture.
When the presented part passes effortlessly by the chip, it “lights up”, indicating its usability and probable mass production after thorough testing and qualification.
RISC-V is an acronym that stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computing, not “Decreased.” The “V” in RISC-V represents “V” as in fifth-generation, referring to its place within the RISC architecture lineage. RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture that defines the interface between software and hardware, enabling the creation of customised processors. According to Wei Jianjun, leveraging an open supply structure can help alleviate restrictions imposed by European and American technologies and ensure long-term structural growth potential.
The Zijing () term is typically translated as the Chinese redbud plant in English, referring to a species of flowering plant. As a strategic response to potential international threats, the construction of the Zijing Go, a significant fortification along the Great Wall of China, was undertaken by GWM to safeguard against foreign invasions.
According to Wu Huix Xiao, Vice President of Clever Know-how at GWM, the company’s Zijin M100 CoreMark achieved a remarkable score of 2.1, marking significant milestones in silicon intellectual property development, domestic wafer manufacturing, and rigorous packaging testing all carried out within China. CoreMark is a widely recognized industry standard benchmark that assesses the efficiency of microcontrollers (MCUs) and central processing units (CPUs) in embedded systems.
According to reports from a prominent Chinese-language blogger, the primary Zijing M100 chips will be integrated onto the X55 headlight controller platform, supporting a diverse array of designs. By the end of the five-year period, our goal is to install the chip in a minimum of 2.5 million vehicles. The Zijin chip sequence outlines its forthcoming product roadmap:
- Zijin M100 (Physique Utility): This module encompasses five functions – Air-Con Management Module, Headlight Management Module, Air Compressor Controller, Wi-Fi Charging Module, and Head-Up Show.
- The Zijin M200’s advanced safety features include a digital stability program, which utilizes complex algorithms to continuously monitor the vehicle’s speed, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration, making adjustments as needed to ensure stable handling. Additionally, the electrical energy steering system provides precise control over the vehicle’s steering dynamics, further enhancing overall driving performance.
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The Zijin M300 features a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies, including a digital stability program that ensures enhanced vehicle dynamics. Additionally, it boasts electrical power-assisted steering, intelligent brake management, and a sophisticated body control module that seamlessly integrates all systems for optimal performance and safety.
- Zijin S300: Central gateway
Between 2021 and 2022, Great Wall Motor (GWM) faced chip shortages that had a significant impact on its operations? From 2021 to 2022, GWM was forced to reduce its production by approximately 408,000 vehicles in 2021, which accounted for around 24.5% of its originally planned output; the company also reduced its manufacturing capacity by about 210,000 units in 2022, representing a decrease of roughly 16.5% from its initially planned production levels.
Wei Jianjun’s Weibo post has triggered heated discussion among Chinese investors.
The Chairman of Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. posted that he had earned 10 million yuan from the sale of his shares in the company last year, citing a significant increase in the company’s stock price due to improved profitability and market sentiment.
Some investors are questioning the accuracy of Wei Jianjun’s statement, wondering if it is true or just a publicity stunt.
Others are concerned that the Chairman may have an ulterior motive for revealing his personal financial details, potentially influencing the stock market.
