(Yicai Global) Oct. 24 -- The former head of intelligent driving at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technology will take on the role of technical lead at a new joint venture between German carmaker Volkswagen and Chinese smart chip startup Horizon Robotics, technology news outlet 36Kr reported today.

Su Jing, who was head of Huawei’s intelligent driving product division, left the Shenzhen-based firm last December to join Volkswagen’s auto software unit Cariad, 36Kr said.

This appointment has not been confirmed by Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen nor Horizon Robotics.

Su led the development of Huawei’s mass-produced self-driving system. But he was removed from his post in July last year after making controversial public comments about US electric car giant Tesla’s safety record.

Cariad will hold a 60 percent stake in the JV with Beijing-based Horizon Robotics that will develop customized smart driving solutions for the Chinese market. Volkswagen said on Oct. 13 that it is investing EUR2.4 billion (USD2.3 billion) in the JV, and the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half next year.

Editor: Kim Taylor