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Recently, the Hurun Research Institute officially released the "2025 Global Unicorn Index," which features Kaiwo Group from the Lishui Development Zone. This marks the seventh consecutive year that this new energy vehicle company has made the list, and it is the only new energy complete vehicle manufacturer selected from Nanjing.

The "2025 Global Unicorn Index" lists non-public companies founded after 2000 with a valuation of over $1 billion. The valuation calculation deadline for this list is January 1, 2025. Hurun Research Institute has been tracking and recording unicorn companies since 2017, and this is the seventh release of the global unicorn list.

Technology is Key: A Full-Category Matrix to Solve Industry Pain Points

From urban buses to heavy logistics, from the intelligent connected bus "Little Blue Whale" to the autonomous driving "Little Colt," since its establishment in 2010, Kaiwo Group has focused on a dual strategy of commercial and passenger vehicles, constructing a full-category matrix of new energy models covering passenger cars, buses, special vehicles, and autonomous driving series. Its self-developed "three electric" technologies (battery, motor, and electronic control) and intelligent driving systems have become benchmarks in the industry.

"Our goal is to promote healthy travel and create a better life," said Dong Zhaozhi, Executive Vice President of Kaiwo Group, in an interview. For example, the intelligent connected bus "Little Blue Whale" has been deployed in certain areas of Nanjing and has completed road testing, becoming a model case in the construction of smart cities.

After more than ten years of technological development, Kaiwo Group has built a high-end research and development team of nearly 800 people, led by industry experts, PhDs, and master's degree holders, gathering top research talents and advanced technological achievements in the country. Through a dual approach of independent innovation and external collaboration, the company has applied for a total of 1,290 patents, with 804 granted, continuously reinforcing its technological leadership.

Government Empowerment: Precision Services Fueling Corporate Growth

Kaiwo Group's rapid development is supported by comprehensive backing from government departments. From industry-academia-research cooperation to market expansion, from policy support to financial assistance, the government's "nanny-style" services have cleared developmental obstacles for the company.

"The government's support acts like precise navigation, allowing us to run more steadily on the path of innovation," introduced Meng Yuanyuan, Office Director of Kaiwo Group, explaining that when applying for provincial and municipal unicorn enterprise status and projects like provincial intelligent factories, the government organizes expert teams to provide one-on-one guidance.

In the first half of this year, with the promotion of the Lishui District in conjunction with the Qinhuai District and Qixia District governments, Kaiwo Group successfully launched the first batch of intelligent connected buses in Jiangsu Province and was authorized to conduct public road tests. This not only accelerated the commercialization of technology but also significantly increased public acceptance of intelligent driving.

Global Layout: Chinese Solutions Going Global

As one of the earliest domestic companies engaged in the research and manufacturing of new energy vehicles, Kaiwo Group has rapidly opened international markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond with customized products. The company has also established overseas research institutes, quickly penetrating core fields such as public transport and logistics, with products exported to over 60 countries and regions around the world, while the share of overseas business continues to rise.

"We use bases in Nanjing, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Weinan, and Huainan as pivot points to radiate globally," revealed a relevant person from Kaiwo Group, noting that production bases have been established in markets like Indonesia and Kazakhstan, achieving localization in research, production, and sales, further consolidating international competitive advantages. Through a dual-driven strategy of "products + technology," Kaiwo Group is continuously promoting the ascent of Chinese manufacturing to the high end of the global value chain, showcasing the innovative strength of Chinese enterprises in the fields of new energy vehicles and intelligent transportation.

From the "Little Blue Whale" on the streets of Nanjing to markets in 60 countries worldwide, Kaiwo Group, this "green unicorn," is steering Chinese manufacturing towards the world.