Epicland X9 Pilot Production Begins as Dongfeng and Huawei Advance Intelligent SUV Strategy

The flagship SUV Epicland X9 has officially entered a new phase of development after rolling off the pilot production line at the Chengdu Economic and Technological Development Zone. The vehicle is the result of a deep collaboration between Dongfeng Motor and Huawei, combining automotive manufacturing expertise with advanced intelligent vehicle technologies. The milestone highlights the growing momentum behind intelligent and connected vehicle development in China and reinforces the strategic role of Chengdu as a major automotive production hub.

According to an announcement issued on June 8 by the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government, the Epicland X9 is scheduled to make its public debut during the Chengdu Motor Show in September 2026. Nationwide deliveries are expected to begin shortly after the launch event. The introduction of the model marks the beginning of a broader product expansion plan, with the Epicland brand preparing to introduce five additional all-new vehicles over the next three years as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the rapidly evolving mobility market.

Epicland Product Expansion Roadmap

The upcoming launch strategy demonstrates a long-term commitment to product diversification and technology-led growth. By expanding its portfolio beyond the Epicland X9, the brand aims to address multiple market segments while leveraging intelligent vehicle capabilities and new energy technologies. The collaboration between Dongfeng Motor and Huawei is expected to play a key role in supporting future model development, helping accelerate innovation across the upcoming vehicle lineup.

Key Development Milestones

• Epicland X9 completed pilot production in Chengdu.
• Public debut planned for September 2026.
• Nationwide deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.
• Five additional all-new Epicland models planned within three years.

Chengdu Automotive Industry Development Targets

The Chengdu Economic and Technological Development Zone is simultaneously accelerating the construction of its intelligent and connected vehicle ecosystem. Authorities have outlined ambitious production and technology adoption targets designed to strengthen the region’s position within China’s automotive industry. These objectives focus on expanding vehicle manufacturing capacity while increasing the share of new energy vehicles and intelligent vehicle technologies throughout the production landscape.

Chengdu Automotive Industry Targets

The planned expansion reflects increasing investment in intelligent mobility and advanced automotive manufacturing capabilities. With higher penetration of intelligent and connected vehicles, a growing contribution from new energy vehicles, and significant production growth targets, the Chengdu development zone is positioning itself as a key center for future automotive innovation. The launch of the Epicland X9 represents an important step within this broader industrial strategy, linking new vehicle development with regional ecosystem growth and long-term manufacturing ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Epicland X9 and when will it be launched?
The Epicland X9 is a flagship SUV jointly developed by Dongfeng Motor and Huawei as part of their intelligent vehicle collaboration. The vehicle recently rolled off the pilot production line in Chengdu, marking an important milestone before commercial launch. It is scheduled to make its official debut at the Chengdu Motor Show in September 2026, with nationwide deliveries beginning during the same period. The model also serves as the first step in a broader expansion plan that includes five additional all-new Epicland vehicles over the next three years.

What automotive industry targets has Chengdu set for the coming years?
Chengdu has established ambitious targets focused on vehicle production growth, new energy vehicle adoption, and intelligent vehicle deployment. By 2026, annual vehicle production is expected to exceed 950,000 units, with new energy vehicles accounting for more than 40% of total output and intelligent connected vehicle penetration surpassing 85%. Looking further ahead, authorities aim to increase annual vehicle production to 1.2 million units by 2030 while growing the automotive industry's output value beyond CNY 180 billion, strengthening Chengdu’s position as a major automotive manufacturing center.