Jingxi Zhixing’s iDBC1 Braking System Secures $3.08 Billion Deal in Europe and North America

Is China’s new L2 ADAS standard about to wipe out Western Tier 1 suppliers? Jingxi Zhixing, a leading Chinese automotive technology company, has secured a massive $3.08 billion (21 billion RMB) deal for its advanced braking systems in the European and North American markets. This significant breakthrough is not just a commercial win but also a strategic pivot that could reshape the global automotive landscape.

Introduction

In a recent development, Jingxi Zhixing’s iDBC1 integrated control braking system (1-Box) has entered mass production in Europe, with plans to launch another next-generation brake-by-wire product in North America by June. The total value of these deals is approximately $3.08 billion, marking a significant milestone for the company and the Chinese automotive industry as a whole.

The Significance of Brake-by-Wire Systems

Brake-by-wire systems are often referred to as the ‘last hard core high ground’ in the development of intelligent electric vehicles (EVs). They are crucial for achieving higher levels of autonomous driving, particularly in the transition from Level 2 (L2) to Level 3 (L3) and beyond. Historically, the brake system has been one of the most critical components in terms of safety, with the highest Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL-D) and the lowest tolerance for errors. For years, this market has been dominated by European giants, making Jingxi Zhixing’s entry a significant disruption.

Technical Breakthroughs and Market Impact

Jingxi Zhixing’s iDBC1 and iDBC2 braking systems have already made waves in the global market. In 2020, the iDBC2 system was successfully integrated into the Rimac Nevera, a top-tier electric supercar, and its subsequent model, the Rimac Nevera R. These vehicles set multiple world records, including a 100-0 km/h braking distance of 28.96 meters and a 0-100-0 km/h braking time of 3.32 seconds. Such performance highlights the reliability and efficiency of Jingxi Zhixing’s technology.

Global Collaboration and Innovation

The success of Jingxi Zhixing’s braking systems is not just a result of technical prowess but also a testament to their global collaboration. The 1-Box and upcoming brake-by-wire products were developed by a team spanning China, Europe, North America, and Brazil. This 24/7, cross-time-zone collaboration has enabled the company to meet the complex and stringent requirements of global automakers, surpassing even the capabilities of Japanese and Korean competitors.

Strategic Implications for the Global Market

The entry of Jingxi Zhixing into the European and North American markets marks a significant shift in the global automotive supply chain. By securing such a large deal, Jingxi Zhixing is not only breaking the monopoly of European suppliers but also positioning itself as a key player in the global ADAS and autonomous driving market. This move could have far-reaching implications for Western Tier 1 suppliers, who may need to adapt quickly to remain competitive.

Why This Matters to Western Investors and Industry Professionals

• Early Signal Detection: Jingxi Zhixing’s success is an early indicator of the growing competitiveness of Chinese automotive technology in the global market.
• Strategic Benchmarking: Western OEMs and suppliers need to closely monitor these developments to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving EV and ADAS sectors.
• Regulatory and Technological Shifts: The adoption of advanced braking systems is a critical step towards achieving higher levels of autonomous driving, which will drive regulatory and technological changes in the industry.

For more insights on the Chinese EV market and its impact on global automotive trends, see our analysis on the latest developments in the Chinese EV market.