Chinese carmaker Xpeng has announced that it will use Huawei’s head-up display (HUD) system in one of its new cars. The technology projects important driving information directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to see speed, direction and other vital information without having to look at the dashboard.

Interestingly, Xpeng and Huawei have had a competitive relationship in the past, with executives from the two companies even sparring in the media in 2023 over technical capabilities. But now it seems the two rivals are ready to start a new collaboration in the field of smart cars.

Posting a promotional image on Weibo, Xpeng promised to reveal more details at an official event on June 5. “The industry has long been waiting for a real transformation; this change starts now,” the company wrote in its post.

Although Huawei does not manufacture cars, it plays a prominent role in the industry as a technology supplier, especially in areas such as LiDAR, ADAS, and electric vehicle software. The partnership with Xpeng could be an important step in expanding Huawei’s technology penetration in the automotive market.

Ultimately, while HUD technology is not new, the collaboration between two major players and former competitors could pave the way for a new direction in the development of smart cars. Everything depends on the upcoming launch event, which could be the beginning of larger collaborations in the future.