Strategic Partnership: Specialization Drives Innovation
On January 29, Jiushi Intelligent and Cainiao officially launched their groundbreaking collaboration. Cainiao transferred its complete autonomous vehicle division—including teams, technologies, and brand assets—to Jiushi Intelligent while becoming a strategic shareholder through cash investment. This move signals Cainiao's strategic pivot away from full vertical integration in unmanned vehicle development toward focusing on its core strengths: logistics scenario optimization and ecosystem resource integration.
The partnership grants Jiushi Intelligent licensing rights to the "Cainiao Autonomous Vehicle" brand while maintaining its own "Jiushi Intelligent" identity under a dual-brand operation model. This structure allows Jiushi to leverage Cainiao's extensive logistics network while concentrating on technological advancements in autonomous driving systems.
Dual-Brand Strategy: Lessons from Industry Success
The dual-brand approach finds precedent in Ninebot's successful model. On January 24, Ninebot CEO Wang Ye announced surpassing 10 million global shipments of smart electric vehicles. The company now implements a refined "dual-brand, globalization, electrification" strategy, operating both "Ninebot" and "Segway" brands with shared technology but distinct market positioning—Ninebot targeting mass-market practicality and Segway emphasizing premium performance.
This differentiated branding has proven effective in global market penetration, offering valuable insights for Jiushi Intelligent's expansion plans in autonomous delivery solutions.
Jiushi Intelligent: Technological Prowess and Global Expansion
Jiushi Intelligent's technical capabilities recently earned recognition on the "2025 Hurun China AI 50" list (January 22), highlighting its leadership in autonomous driving commercialization. The company has achieved significant international milestones:
• Operational deployment of RoboVan fleets at Abu Dhabi's Metal Park smart warehouse (January 24)
• First UAE autonomous vehicle operation license for a Chinese L4 technology provider
• Malaysia's inaugural autonomous logistics pilot with national postal services (January 22)
• Chuzhou's first licensed autonomous delivery vehicle operations (January 21)
Cainiao: Strengthening Core Logistics Capabilities
While divesting autonomous vehicle development, Cainiao continues enhancing its logistics infrastructure. Recent upgrades include:
• Expanded appliance delivery services incorporating 100-inch TVs and integrated installation/recycling (January 22)
• Specialized international logistics for cultural events, including secure transport of 49 Grade-1 artifacts from Hong Kong exhibitions (completed January) featuring Tang Dynasty relics
• Three-hour streamlined customs processing at Hong Kong eHub demonstrating operational excellence
Parallel Developments: Intelligent Loading Robotics
The logistics automation sector shows broader momentum, with Sinard Digital Technology securing increased capital (January 22) for its iLoabot robotic loading systems, reflecting growing investor confidence in smart logistics solutions.
Industry Outlook
This strategic realignment between Cainiao and Jiushi Intelligent exemplifies how specialized partnerships can accelerate autonomous delivery commercialization. By combining Cainiao's scenario expertise with Jiushi's technical capabilities under a dual-brand framework, the collaboration establishes a model for scalable implementation. As regulatory frameworks mature and use cases diversify, such focused alliances may define the next phase of logistics automation.