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Ecommerce giant Alibaba launches first smart car
What happens when Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba and Chinese car manufacturer SAIC Motor Corp. decide to collaborate?
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Alibaba’s technology steering committee chairman Wang Jian said the car was invented with the idea of using smart operating systems as the “second engine of cars” with data as “the new fuel”. (Alibaba/-)
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hat happens when Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba and Chinese car manufacturer SAIC Motor Corp. decide to collaborate? Enter a smart car dubbed OS’Car RX5 SUV, equipped with Alibaba’s operating system YunOS, which is normally used in the company's electronic appliances.
Alibaba’s technology steering committee chairman Wang Jian said in a statement that the car was invented with the idea of using smart operating systems as the “second engine of cars” with data as “the new fuel”, The Verge reported on Monday.
(Read also: Lamborghini sets vehicle sales record)
Thanks to the embedded technology, the RX5 will allow drivers to reserve and pay for parking spaces as well as other services such as fuel and coffee — all through Alipay, Alibaba’s payment service. It will also be able to recognize different drivers and make recommendations for music, climate control and destinations, based on past trips.
The US$22,300 car also comes with LED screens to enable navigation services, voice control features and a 360-degree detachable camera, the main function of which is to take pictures on road trips, perhaps with an option for selfies too.
The smart car will reportedly be available starting next month. (kes)
