Hesai's AT Series Powers Cadillac's Innovative In-Cabin Lidar Integration in New VISTIQ SUV

Rhea-AI Summary

Hesai Group (Nasdaq: HSAI) announced that its AT series lidar has been selected by SAIC-GM for Cadillac's new all-electric VISTIQ SUV. The vehicle, unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, features the industry's first in-cabin lidar deployment, placing the sensor behind the windshield.

This innovative integration, co-developed by Hesai and Cadillac, enables precise environmental sensing in challenging weather conditions while maintaining the vehicle's exterior aesthetics. The in-cabin placement also provides better protection for the sensor components during minor collisions. The VISTIQ incorporates Cadillac's next generation L2 full-scenario driver system, powered partly by Hesai's lidar technology.

As a designated supplier partner to SAIC-GM, Hesai will continue providing lidar solutions to support the development of intelligent, electric vehicles.

Positive

• First-to-market advantage with innovative in-cabin lidar integration
• Strategic partnership secured with major automotive manufacturer SAIC-GM
• Integration in premium vehicle line (Cadillac) demonstrates product quality

Negative

• None.

Insights

Automotive Technology Expert

Hesai's first-in-industry in-cabin lidar integration with Cadillac solves critical design, safety and functionality challenges while securing a premium automotive partnership.

Hesai's AT series lidar integration behind the windshield in Cadillac's VISTIQ represents a significant engineering breakthrough in the automotive sensor market. This industry-first placement solution elegantly addresses multiple persistent challenges that have lidar adoption in premium vehicles.

The in-cabin positioning solves three critical issues simultaneously: it maintains environmental sensing capabilities during adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, dust), preserves exterior styling aesthetics critical for luxury vehicles, and reduces exposure to damage during minor collisions - protecting the high-value sensor components.

This integration demonstrates substantial technical sophistication in optical engineering. Traditional lidars require exterior mounting that creates design compromises and exposure vulnerabilities. Hesai has apparently overcome the complex technical challenges of operating effectively through windshield glass, including dealing with potential reflections, transmissivity variations, and thermal considerations.

The deployment in Cadillac's next-generation L2 full-scenario driver system indicates this is aimed at advanced driver assistance rather than full autonomy, representing the more commercially viable near-term application of lidar technology. The solution's ability to enhance both functionality and design makes it particularly valuable for premium automakers where aesthetics cannot be compromised for technology integration.

Automotive Industry Analyst

Hesai securing designated supplier status with SAIC-GM for premium Cadillac EVs validates their technology and opens significant growth potential.

This partnership represents a substantial commercial milestone for Hesai in the competitive automotive lidar sector. Securing a designated supplier partnership with SAIC-GM, specifically for integration into Cadillac's premium electric SUV lineup, provides meaningful validation of Hesai's technology, manufacturing capability, and reliability standards.

The selection for Cadillac's VISTIQ is particularly significant as it positions Hesai's solutions in the high-margin, technology-forward luxury segment where innovative features directly influence purchase decisions. The integration into Cadillac's next generation L2 driver system indicates this is a production commitment rather than merely a concept or prototype demonstration.

From a competitive standpoint, this partnership enhances Hesai's market credibility against other lidar manufacturers. Being first-to-market with an in-cabin lidar solution in a production vehicle creates a valuable technical and commercial reference point that could influence other automakers' sensor selection decisions.

The designation as a "key digital ecosystem partner" suggests potential for expanded business beyond this initial implementation. As GM continues electrifying its vehicle lineup, successful deployment in Cadillac could lead to broader adoption across the automaker's extensive portfolio of brands and models.

While the announcement lacks specific production volume commitments or revenue projections, securing a role in a flagship Cadillac electric vehicle represents a meaningful commercial opportunity with a major global automotive manufacturer.

SHANGHAI, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hesai Group (Nasdaq: HSAI), the global leader in lidar technology for automotive mobility and robotic applications, announced that its long-range, automotive-grade AT series lidar has been selected by SAIC-GM for integration into Cadillac's new all-electric VISTIQ SUV. The vehicle was unveiled during the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (the "Shanghai Auto Show") and showcases the industry's first in-cabin (behind the windshield) lidar deployment, setting a new standard for seamlessly design-integrated sensor systems in passenger vehicles.

The industry-first behind the windshield lidar solution, co-developed by Hesai and Cadillac, integrates the AT series long range lidar within the VISTIQ's cabin, enabling precise environmental sensing even in challenging conditions such as rain, snow, or dust, all while preserving the vehicle's sleek exterior design. The in-cabin placement also reduces the risk of damage to high-value components during minor collisions, offering both functional and aesthetic advantages. The VISTIQ is part of Cadillac's recently unveiled all-electric SUV family and introduces the automaker's next generation L2 full-scenario driver system, powered in part by Hesai's cutting-edge lidar solution.

"We are proud to support Cadillac in pioneering this innovative lidar integration," said David Li, Co-Founder and CEO of Hesai. "The in-cabin deployment of our AT series sensor represents a significant leap forward in both automotive design and autonomous sensing capability. We look forward to further collaborations with SAIC-GM and to accelerating the future of smart, safe electric vehicles."

Hesai established a designated supplier partnership with SAIC-GM. As a key digital ecosystem partner to SAIC-GM, Hesai will continue to deliver high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective lidar solutions to support the next generation of intelligent, electric mobility.

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SOURCE Hesai Technology

FAQ

What is unique about Hesai's lidar integration in the Cadillac VISTIQ SUV?

It's the industry's first in-cabin (behind windshield) lidar deployment, offering better protection and maintaining vehicle aesthetics while ensuring precise environmental sensing.

How does the in-cabin lidar placement benefit the Cadillac VISTIQ's performance?

It enables accurate sensing in challenging weather conditions and reduces risk of sensor damage during minor collisions, while preserving exterior design.

What type of driver assistance system does the Cadillac VISTIQ feature with Hesai's lidar?

The VISTIQ features Cadillac's next generation L2 full-scenario driver system, partially powered by Hesai's AT series lidar.

What is the partnership status between Hesai (HSAI) and SAIC-GM?

Hesai is a designated supplier partner to SAIC-GM, providing lidar solutions for their intelligent electric vehicles.