Li Auto Restructures R&D Teams Amid Push Toward Robotic Vehicles

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto has launched a significant reorganization of its research and development operations, creating three specialized teams designed to accelerate innovation in autonomous driving and robotic vehicle technology.

The restructured divisions now comprise:

• Basic Model (led by Zhan Kun)
• Software Core (headed by Vice President Gou Xiaofei)
• Hardware Core (overseen by former smart driving chief Liang Canpeng)

This strategic realignment comes as the automaker positions itself for what founder Li Xiang describes as "the new cycle" of automotive technology. "Embodied intelligence isn't just buzzword for us," Li recently told employees. "It's our core focus for the next decade - the key that could unlock trillion-dollar opportunities in vehicle robotics."

The most notable change involves Liang Canpeng's transition from leading smart driving initiatives to spearheading hardware development focused on robotic systems. Meanwhile, all intelligent driving functions now fall under Gou Xiaofei's software division, creating unified management of cockpit and autonomous systems.

Industry analysts see this move as recognition that future vehicle intelligence requires tighter integration between software and hardware. "The boundaries between traditional automotive engineering and AI development are blurring," notes Shanghai-based auto tech analyst Miranda Zhou. "Li Auto's restructuring reflects this convergence."

The Basic Model team under Zhan Kun will concentrate on integrating general algorithms with chip technology, reporting directly to CTO Xie Yan. This vertical handles foundational technologies that support both software and hardware innovations.

Why This Matters Now

The reorganization arrives during intense competition in China's EV market, where automakers race to deliver increasingly sophisticated autonomous features. By consolidating smart driving under software leadership while creating dedicated hardware and foundational tech teams, Li Auto appears betting that specialization will yield faster breakthroughs.

Company insiders suggest these changes have been brewing since last year's emphasis on "embodied intelligence" - systems where AI doesn't just assist drivers but enables vehicles to operate with human-like perception and decision-making capabilities.

"We're not just building better cars," one engineer explained anonymously due to lack of authorization to speak publicly. "We're creating automotive partners that understand and adapt to human needs."

Key Points:

• Major R&D restructuring creates three specialized teams: Basic Model, Software Core, Hardware Core
• Smart driving functions consolidated under software leadership
• Former smart driving chief Liang Canpeng shifts focus to robotic hardware development
• Move aligns with founder Li Xiang's vision of "embodied intelligence" as next frontier
• Comes amid fierce competition in China's autonomous vehicle sector