Chinese vacuum maker Dreame winds down carmaking project, state media reports

Chinese vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dreame is phasing out its electric vehicle project, known as the Star Project, following a dramatic shift in strategy, according to Chinese media reports. The project, which aimed to create the world's fastest car with a launch date of 2027, had initially attracted significant attention and over 1,000 employees.

However, the workforce has now been reduced to a few dozen, primarily focused on finance, legal, and human resources, managing issues like supplier settlements and corporate deregistration. Senior executives are exploring new opportunities, while the project has experienced a series of layoffs and resignations, leaving many office spaces vacant.

The abrupt decision comes months after Dreame announced plans for luxury showrooms in the Middle East. Despite the winding down of the vehicle development, Dreame maintains that its core operations, including smart homes, outdoor living, smart mobility, and embodied AI, are progressing as planned. The company's recent showcase of concept vehicles at the Beijing auto show and a Super Bowl ad promoting its automotive ambitions underscore its ongoing focus on automotive technology, though it has not explicitly confirmed the exit from vehicle development.