Tag Archives: AUT

Autohome Inc. to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results on February 2, 2021

BEIJING, Jan. 26, 2021 — Autohome Inc. (NYSE: ATHM) ("Autohome" or the "Company"), a leading online destination for automobile consumers in China, today announced that it will report its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020, before U.S. markets open on February 2, 2021.

Autohome’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 6:30 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 (7:30 PM Beijing Time on the same day).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States:

+1-855-824-5644

Hong Kong, China :

+852-3027-6500

Mainland China:

8009-880-563 / 400-821-0637

United Kingdom:

0800-026-1542

International:

+1-646-722-4977

Passcode:

38347400#

Please dial in ten minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call.

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until February 8, 2021:

United States:

+1-646-982-0473

International:

+61-2-8325-2405

Passcode:

319339324 #

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://ir.autohome.com.cn.

About Autohome Inc.

Autohome Inc. (NYSE: ATHM) is the leading online destination for automobile consumers in China. Its mission is to enhance the car-buying and ownership experience for auto consumers in China. Autohome provides original generated content, professionally generated content, user-generated content, AI-generated content, a comprehensive automobile library, and extensive automobile listing information to automobile consumers, covering the entire car purchase and ownership cycle. The ability to reach a large and engaged user base of automobile consumers has made Autohome a preferred platform for automakers and dealers to conduct their advertising campaigns. Further, the Company’s dealer subscription and advertising services allow dealers to market their inventory and services through Autohome’s platform, extending the reach of their physical showrooms to potentially millions of internet users in China and generating sales leads for them. The Company offers sales leads, data analysis, and marketing services to assist automakers and dealers with improving their efficiency and facilitating transactions. Autohome operates its "Autohome Mall," a full-service online transaction platform, to facilitate transactions for automakers and dealers. Further, through its websites and mobile applications, it also provides other value-added services, including auto financing, auto insurance, used car transactions, and aftermarket services. For further information, please visit www.autohome.com.cn.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Autohome Inc.
Investor Relations
Anita Chen
Tel: +86-10-5985-7483
E-mail: ir@autohome.com.cn

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: autohome@tpg-ir.com

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: autohome@tpg-ir.com

Related Links :

http://www.autohome.com.cn

Ridesharing App OBHAI On WhatsApp – A First in Bangladesh

DHAKA, Bangladesh, Jan. 26, 2021 — OBHAI, the home-grown ride-sharing company of Bangladesh is 1st among its peers to recognize the potential benefits of WhatsApp and its ease of access, which would benefit the user base from all walks of life, with the launch of its services on WhatsApp.

Ridesharing APP OBHAI ON WHATSAPP – A First in Bangladesh
Ridesharing APP OBHAI ON WHATSAPP – A First in Bangladesh

With 1.5 billion monthly active users around the globe, and 22% (around 40 Million) users in Bangladesh, social-media communication giant WhatsApp is being actively used as the primary communication platform in the country.

One can order OBHAI G (car), CNG (three-wheeler) or OBHAI Express (parcel) on WhatsApp. Commuters can save +8801313201222 in their address book as ‘OBHAI WhatsApp’. All one needs to do after that is to type ‘Hi’, following which customers can avail OBHAI’s services on WhatsApp. To book a ride, one just needs to type in the assigned number, click on send, after which users can gear up for a comfortable ride on OBHAI.

"WhatsApp OBHAI booking will help a lot of OBHAI users to simply order an OBHAI Gari, OBHAI CNG, and even order OBHAI Express services in few key strokes," said Anis Ahmed, Startup Founder, and Investor of Obhai Solutions Ltd.

OBHAI WhatsApp can be used by current OBHAI customers seamlessly, and all facilities including refund request, complaints, billing, reviewing ride history, and suggestions will be available within minutes from OBHAI call center representatives.

Furthermore, one can chat live with OBHAI agents for quick solutions. The AI service associated will also be monitored and maintained by the customer care agents of OBHAI.

Besides offering the most sophisticated communication service through WhatsApp, OBHAI will be able to cater to the smartphone users and passengers, taking into consideration those who do not have enough storage on their smartphones, improving their comprehensive lifestyle.

As Bangladesh marches forward towards a more sophisticated digital era, the masses are now more accustomed to having the world at the palm of their hands. As such, frequency of communication via social media platforms, the likes of Facebook, Viber, WhatsApp etc. are increasing significantly. Keeping the need and comfort of the citizens of Bangladesh in mind, OBHAI edged a step ahead and introduced its own WhatsApp service to complement its ride-sharing offerings, and to provide passengers a more personalized experience.

Since its inception in 2018, OBHAI has been providing 24/7 customer care support to its customers in 53 cities in Bangladesh, and to ensure a prompt support and utmost satisfaction, the ride-sharing company aims to deliver on its commitment via the cutting-edge WhatsApp service.

Media Contact:
Arif Mustafa
arif.mustafa@mghgroup.com
+8801754330994

 

Photo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/1425812/ridesharing_app_obhai.jpg?p=medium600

FIC, the CES 2021 Honoree, Intelligent AR HUD for Commercial Vehicle

TAIPEI, Jan. 22, 2021In recent years, FIC (First International Computer) group focuses its core business in automotive electronic design, especially for car manufacturers and Tier 1, Tier 2 suppliers. After years of efforts, FIC has successfully developed full color laser beam scanning (FCLBS) technology for AR HUD product; and in early 2021, FIC was awarded as the CES 2021 Innovation Honoree. Mr. Alex Dee, the vice president of automotive electronic R&D department of FIC group, said: "many of the HUD products out there in the market today are built by applying TFT or DLP technology, and most of them will reduce the display clarity due to the influence of natural light, which will cause the driver’s eyes to be tired easily and the projected images become blur in some way. FCLBS technology is mainly designed to prevent from direct sunlight affecting the projected images, and through the automatic sensing system to detect environment light source and automatically adjust the projection brightness during driving. It gives drivers the most comfortable, clearest and safest imaging effect from any weather while driving.

FIC, the CES 2021 Honoree, Intelligent AR HUD for Commercial Vehicle
FIC, the CES 2021 Honoree, Intelligent AR HUD for Commercial Vehicle

In recent years, augmented reality technology has evolved from 2D images to 3D projection, which is integrated into our real life environment, bringing people diverse and different life experience and convenience. Similarly, when AR technology is applied to our daily driving, all data information of vehicle will no longer be limited just to the digital instrument cluster, or the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which will integrate with traffic environment in 3D virtual projection and directly display information on the windshield in front of the driver’s eyes, making driving safer and more convenient.

As the core technology of FIC AR HUD, FCLBS can still clearly project the AR images to 5-50 meters ahead on the road under strong sunlight, heavy rain and foggy situations, which becomes a new way of driver’s safety navigation warning path while driving. In addition, eye tracking technology has been applied into the FIC augmented reality head-up display system, so it can automatically track on drivers’ eyes and provide vehicle information like speed, navigation, traffic warning, forward collision detection, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition and other important warning signals on the windshields in order to assist the drivers pay more attention on the road instead of looking down on the cluster upon driving, which gives more safety and convenient driving experience.

At the same time, when these messages are displayed through AR technology, the virtual images and the real traffic environment are integrated in 3D in order to provide the driver with clearer, safer and more convenient driving experience; even through the combination with ADAS technology, the driver can quickly response to any sudden situation such as pedestrians, objects, blind spots and dead corners around the vehicle as being a traffic safety reminder.

Hence, Alex believes FCLBS will become a significant core patented technology of FIC for future HUD product design and widely be embedded into electric and commercial vehicles starting from 2023.

Related Links :

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Leading Automakers and Technology Companies Advance Blockchain Vehicle Identities that Could Help Buyers Avoid Cars with Incorrect Mileage, Maintenance, or Damage Histories

MOBI Collaborates with BMW, Ford, and Others on Second Installment of a Vehicle Identity Standard for multi-stakeholder, interoperable mobility ecosystems of the future  

MUNICH, Germany, Jan. 20, 2021 — We’ve all heard about rolled-back odometers and flood-damaged vehicles touted in better condition. BMW, Ford, and other transportation and blockchain leaders want to slow these practices by joining forces with an ambitious nonprofit startup developing technology to better track and protect vehicles’ true identities.   

The Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative (MOBI)’s member-led Vehicle Identity (VID) II Working Group released the second installment of the industry’s vehicle identity on blockchain.

The VID II Standard leverages the VID I Standard (a vehicle birth certificate) to describe the use of VID in a variety of practical use cases. The two use cases focused on by the working group (WG) are vehicle registration and maintenance traceability. Vehicle registration on blockchain allows formerly disconnected vehicle registration systems between states and countries to connect using a secure, shared, and trusted ledger. Maintenance traceability will provide a tamper-proof history to buyers, regulators, and insurers, therefore reducing vehicle information asymmetry.

"At BMW we strive to create seamless digital solutions. The reference architecture in the VID II standard is a crucial building block in the transformation to a frictionless and trusted mobility ecosystem," said BMW’s Andre Luckow, Head of Emerging Technologies.

Global mobility leaders, startups, and large technology companies authored the VID II Standard to progress multi-stakeholder, interoperable mobility ecosystems. MOBI’s VID II Working Group is co-chaired by BMW and Ford, with support from Accenture, AWS, AutoData Group, Bosch, Car IQ, DENSO, DMX, Hitachi America, Ltd., Honda, IBM, Kar Auction Services, Luxoft, Quantstamp, Ownum, and USAA.

"A secure digital vehicle identity sets the foundation for a fully automatic network for usage-based transportation services," said MOBI COO and Co-Founder, Tram Vo. "We expect this network for frictionless transfer of value in the New Economy of Movement to open up trillions of dollars of new opportunities to monetize vehicles, services, data, and infrastructure."

Additional use cases for VID include supply chain, automotive financing, electric vehicle charging, autonomous vehicle data exchange, and much more. VID II improves asset visibility, creating an anchor for additional use cases, data provenance, and autonomous economic agents. 

"Ford believes this research into vehicle identity technology could lead to better ownership experiences," says Cynthia Flanigan, Director, Vehicle Research and Technology, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. "We also think this technology could help simplify the purchasing process in the future."

VID II is a building block to a future with more transparent, efficient, and safer vehicle registration and maintenance. Both the buyer and seller will have a more reliable record that can open up opportunities for increased market value for the seller and an increased sense of security for the buyer. Agencies that process vehicle records will reap the benefits of efficient processing and tracking of records.

MOBI and its members hope that the VID standards, together with other MOBI standards for blockchain applications in mobility, will reduce frictional inefficiencies, improve mobility services, and enable new business models.

About MOBI
MOBI is a nonprofit alliance of many of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers, along with many startups, NGOs, transit agencies, insurers, toll road providers, smart city leaders, and technology companies working to accelerate adoption and promote standards in blockchain, distributed ledgers, and related technologies.

MOBI is creating simple blockchain-based standards to identify vehicles, people, and businesses in order to securely exchange and monetize data, and pay for mobility services, with the goal of making transportation more efficient, affordable, greener, safer, and less congested.  MOBI itself is technology and ledger agnostic.  For additional information about joining MOBI, please reach out to Griffin Haskins (griffin@dlt.mobi) or visit www.dlt.mobi.

Media Contact:

Kelly Clark, MOBI Communications Manager, Email: Kelly@dlt.mobi | Twitter: @dltMOBI 

 

Related Links :

https://www.dlt.mobi/

Autohome Inc. Announces Board Changes

BEIJING, Jan. 12, 2021 — Autohome Inc. ("Autohome" or the "Company") (NYSE: ATHM), the leading online destination for automobile consumers in China, today announced that Mr. Quan Long has been appointed as the successor to Mr. Min Lu to serve as a director and the chairman of the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"), the chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee and the compensation committee of the Board, and the chief executive officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Lu retired from his roles in the Company to explore new areas beyond office life.

Before joining Autohome, Mr. Long has held a series of leadership roles within Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEX: 2318; SHA: 601318) since he first joined as a salesman in 1998, including as the assistant general manager, vice general manager and general manager of several provincial-level branches of Ping An Property & Casualty Insurance Company of China, Ltd. He has been serving as vice general manager of Ping An Property & Casualty Insurance Company of China, Ltd. since December 2018. In addition, Mr. Long has extensive experience in business management at leading internet companies, such as serving as the assistant general manager of Lufax Holding Ltd (NYSE: LU) in charge of insurance business between October 2015 and January 2017, as the senior director of Ant Group’s insurance business since February 2017, and as the director, general manager and chief executive officer of Cathay Insurance Company Limited between June 2017 and September 2018. The long career in insurance business, especially in the property and casualty insurance segment, has equipped Mr. Long with nuanced understanding and deep insight of the market segments and business operations along the value chain of the automobile industry. Mr. Long received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Wuhan University of Technology.

The Board and the Company are greatly thankful for Mr. Lu’s long-term services and significant contributions to Autohome and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Under Mr. Lu’s leadership, Autohome has successfully grown from a content-led vertical media company to an integrated ecosystem that connects all participants in the auto industry, providing end-to-end products and solutions across the value chain. At the same time, the Board and the Company warmly welcome Mr. Quan Long and are confident that his demonstrated leadership skills, rich experience and deep insight in the internet sector and automobile sector, particularly in respect of the integration of online and offline business, will be of great value to the Company. The Board believes that Mr. Long will continue to drive the Company to the next level of success.

About Autohome Inc.

Autohome Inc. (NYSE: ATHM) is the leading online destination for automobile consumers in China. Its mission is to enhance the car-buying and ownership experience for auto consumers in China. Autohome provides original generated content, professionally generated content, user-generated content, AI-generated content, a comprehensive automobile library, and extensive automobile listing information to automobile consumers, covering the entire car purchase and ownership cycle. The ability to reach a large and engaged user base of automobile consumers has made Autohome a preferred platform for automakers and dealers to conduct their advertising campaigns. Further, the Company’s dealer subscription and advertising services allow dealers to market their inventory and services through Autohome’s platform, extending the reach of their physical showrooms to potentially millions of internet users in China and generating sales leads for them. The Company offers sales leads, data analysis, and marketing services to assist automakers and dealers with improving their efficiency and facilitating transactions. Autohome operates its "Autohome Mall," a full-service online transaction platform, to facilitate transactions for automakers and dealers. Further, through its websites and mobile applications, it also provides other value-added services, including auto financing, auto insurance, used car transactions, and aftermarket services. For further information, please visit www.autohome.com.cn.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, Autohome’s business outlook, Autohome’s strategic and operational plans and quotations from management in this announcement contain forward-looking statements. Autohome may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Autohome’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Autohome’s goals and strategies; Autohome’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the online automobile advertising market in China; Autohome’s ability to attract and retain users and advertisers and further enhance its brand recognition; Autohome’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; competition in the online automobile advertising industry; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Autohome’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Autohome does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For further information, please contact:

In China:

Autohome Inc.
Investor Relations
Anita Chen
Tel: +86-10-5985-7483
Email: ir@autohome.com.cn

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: autohome@tpg-ir.com  

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: autohome@tpg-ir.com

Luokung Announces EMG Awarded Exclusive 2020 Golden Globe Award for its “HD Map” Functionality

BEIJING, Jan. 11, 2021 — Luokung Technology Corp. (NASDAQ: LKCO) ("Luokung" or the "Company"), a leading interactive location-based services and big data processing technology company in China, today announced that the Company’s previously announced acquisition candidate, eMapgo Technologies (Beijing) Co., Ltd. ("EMG") was recently the sole recipient of the "2020 Golden Globe Award for HD Map" at the 4th Annual GGAI Conference held in Shanghai, China in December 2020. EMG, Continental, Bosch and other well-known automotive technology service providers won 2020 Intelligent Driving Golden Globe Awards.

The GGAI Conference serves as a symposium for intelligent vehicle developers and manufacturers, focused on industry trends within automation, intelligent cockpit, autonomous driving, and other innovations in the automotive industry. EMG’s CEO, Darwin Lu, was invited to provide the keynote speech to discuss trends and innovation in the sector.

EMG was recognized for its unique mapping capabilities and robust database has covering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao with over 9-million-kilometer road networks and 80 million POIs. 

As previously announced, Luokung has engaged in a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of EMG and announced that the two parties are currently in the process of closing the transaction.

Darwin Lu, CEO of EMG noted, "Over the past several years we have focused on developing an HD Map product with the capability of meeting the evolving infrastructure of the automobile industry in China and its surrounding regions. As further developments occur through the form of smart highway, IOV, and autonomous driving, we are able to provide rapid perception and early warning of traffic dangers, effective circulation of traffic information, intelligent road maintenance, as well as digital rescue in critical situations. We are pleased to have received this honor among several well-recognized peers, and were the only mapping technology company to receive this across a wide group of international competitors."

Mr. Lu concluded, "With the further development of autonomous driving, both EMG and Luokung are solely dedicated to leveraging our combined spatial-temporal and HD Map capabilities to improve our value proposition to manufacturers and consumers. EMG has become an important partner of Microsoft’s MCVP (Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform) platform, and is recognized as a major participant and a technology leader in the construction of smart highways across China and Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology. We believe that these infrastructure changes represent the predecessor to the adoption of autonomous driving throughout China and feel that we are positioned well."

The GGAI Annual Conference is the largest annual industry, technology, and market exchange and interaction event in China’s automotive intelligent network industry chain. The event was held from December 15-17, 2020 in Shanghai, China. Conference participants included auto manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, and other industrial product and technical service providers in fields of smart cockpit, Internet of Vehicles, and autonomous driving. To evaluate the Golden Globe Award candidates, a list of eligible companies is included in each category, weighted on indicators including pre-installation production and future new technology innovation. A comprehensive evaluation is then based on the pre-installation production data monthly tracked by the Gaogong Intelligent Automobile Research Institute. Category winners are voted by industry practitioners, users and OEMs in two rounds. The final award indicators include pre-installation market mass production data/project pre-research and SOP (weighted as 70%), as well as customer reputation and market awareness (weighted as 30%).

About Luokung Technology Corp.

Luokung Technology Corp. is one of the global leading spatial-temporal big-data processing technology companies and a leading interactive location-based services company in China. It provides integrated DaaS, SaaS, and PaaS services for Internet and Internet of Things of Spatial-Temporal big data based on its patented technology. Based on geographic information systems and intelligent Spatial-Temporal big data, it establishes city-level and industry-level digital twin holographic data models to actively serve smart cities, intelligent transportation, smart industry, LBS. http://www.luokung.com

Business Risks and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "target", "going forward", "outlook" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

CONTACT:

The Company:
Mr. Jay Yu
Chief Financial Officer
Tel:  +86-10-5327-4727
Email:
ir@luokung.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS
PureRock Communications Limited
Email:
luokung@pure-rock.com

Related Links :

http://www.luokung.com

Renren Announces Unaudited First Half 2020 Financial Results

BEIJING, Dec. 31, 2020 — Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) ("Renren" or the "Company"), which operates a premium used auto business in China through its subsidiary Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ: KXIN) ("Kaixin") as well as several U.S.-based SaaS businesses, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2020. 

First Half of 2020 Highlights

  • Total net revenues were US$41.2 million, an 80.9% decrease from the corresponding period in 2019.
    — Kaixin revenues (1) were US$33.3 million, an 83.7% decrease from the corresponding period in 2019.
  • Operating loss was US$23.2 million, improved from an operating loss of US$26.4 million in the corresponding period in 2019.
  • Net loss attributable to the Company was US$16.6 million, compared to a net income attributable to the Company of US$67.7 million in the corresponding period in 2019.
  • Adjusted loss from operations (2) (non-GAAP) was US$12.0 million, improved from an adjusted loss from operations of US$19.4 million in the corresponding period in 2019.
  • Adjusted net loss (2) (non-GAAP) was US$8.5 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of US$15.5 million in the corresponding period in 2019.

 

(1)       Kaixin revenues are the net revenue from the Company’s subsidiary Kaixin, which are included in the Company’s Auto Group segment. Please refer to the table of additional information for details.

(2)       Adjusted loss from operations and net income (loss) are non-GAAP measures, which are defined as loss from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets and net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of contingent consideration and amortization of intangible assets, respectively. See "About Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

First Half 2020 Results

Total net revenues for the first half of 2020 were US$41.2 million, representing an 80.9% decrease from the corresponding period in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic had a material adverse impact on the Company’s used-car dealership business.

Cost of revenues was US$34.0 million, compared to US$201.9 million from the corresponding period of 2019. The decrease was in line with the decrease of revenue.

Operating expenses were US$30.4 million, a 23.4% decrease from the corresponding period of 2019.

Selling and marketing expenses were US$5.3 million, a 58.5% decrease from the corresponding period of 2019. The decrease resulted from the effort to improve operation efficiency in headcount and personnel-related expenses.  

Research and development expenses were US$8.0 million, a 39.5% decrease from the corresponding period in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in headcount and personnel-related expenses.

General and administrative expenses were US$17.1 million, a 25.0% increase from the corresponding period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase in share-based compensation expenses.

Share-based compensation expenses, which were all included in operating expenses, were US$11.0 million, compared to US$6.9 million in the corresponding period in 2019. The increase was mainly due to a modification which repriced the exercise price with respect to options during the first half of 2020, which led to the higher share-based compensation expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Loss from operations was US$23.2 million, improved from a loss from operations of US$26.4 million in the corresponding period in 2019.

Net loss attributable to Renren Inc. was US$16.6 million, compared to a net income of US$67.7 million in the corresponding period in 2019.

Adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) was US$12.0 million, improved from an adjusted loss from operations of US$19.4 million in the corresponding period in 2019. Adjusted loss from operations is defined as loss from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets.

Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was US$8.5 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of US$15.5 million in the corresponding period in 2019. Adjusted net loss is defined as net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of contingent consideration and amortization of intangible assets.

Business Outlook

The Company expects to generate revenues in an amount ranging from US$8 million to US$12 million in the second half of 2020. The decrease in revenues as compared with the second half of 2019 or the first half of 2020 is expected to be primarily due to Kaixin Auto Holdings having decided to put a halt to its used-car dealership business operations while reexamining its business model. This forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary view, which is subject to change.

Binding Term Sheet with Haitaoche

The Company’s subsidiary Kaixin entered into a binding term sheet (the "Biding Term Sheet") with Haitaoche Limited ("Haitaoche") on November 3, 2020.

The Binding Term Sheet sets forth the terms and conditions by which Haitaoche will merge with a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Kaixin, with Haitaoche continuing as the surviving entity and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kaixin (the "Merger"). As consideration for the Merger, Kaixin will issue a number of ordinary shares of Kaixin to the shareholders of Haitaoche (the "Haitaoche Shareholders") so that the Haitaoche Shareholders will collectively hold 51% of Kaixin’s share capital upon the closing of the Merger.

Conference Call Information

The Company will not host a conference call. Please contact our Investor Relations Department if you have any questions.

About Renren Inc.

Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) operates a premium used auto business in China through its subsidiary Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ: KXIN) as well as several US-based SaaS businesses. Renren’s American depositary shares, each of which currently represents forty-five Class A ordinary shares, trade on NYSE under the symbol "RENN".

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook for the second half of 2020 and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Renren’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Renren may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Renren’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Renren’s goals and strategies; Renren’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Renren’s  expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its services; Renren’s expectations regarding the retention and strengthening of its relationships with used auto dealerships; Renren’s plans to enhance user experience, infrastructure and service offerings; competition in the used auto industry in China; and government policies and regulations relating to the used auto industry in China. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Renren does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Renren’s consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), Renren uses "adjusted income (loss) from operations" and "adjusted net income (loss)" which are defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC, in evaluating its business. Renren defines adjusted income (loss) from operations as income (loss) from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets and adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of contingent consideration and amortization of intangible assets, respectively. Renren continuously and periodically reviews its operating results and business performance. Starting from the first quarter of 2018, there was a significant impact on net income (loss) due to the material and significant noncash amount of fair value change of contingent consideration relating to the used auto dealerships of the emerging used auto business. Due to the nature of the business, Renren believes that including adjusted income (loss) from operations and excluding the impact of such fair value changes more appropriately reflects Renren’s results of operations, and provides investors with a better understanding of Renren’s business performance. To facilitate investors and analysts, the aforesaid impact is presented retrospectively in "Reconciliation of non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures". Renren presents adjusted income (loss) from operations and adjusted net income (loss) because they are used by Renren’s management to evaluate its operating performance. Renren also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating Renren’s consolidated results of operations in the same manner as Renren’s management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of Renren’s peer companies.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliation of non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures" at the end of this release.

 

 

 

RENREN INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands of US dollars)

December
31,

June 30,

2019

2020

 ASSETS

 Current assets:

 Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,473

$

5,059

 Restricted cash

13,091

 Short-term investments

1,436

 Accounts receivable, net

649

595

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

30,454

32,643

 Amounts due from related parties

688

678

 Inventory

21,981

18,527

 Total current assets

72,772

57,502

 Non-current assets:

 Property and equipment, net

851

619

 Goodwill and intangible assets, net

832

641

 Long-term investments

13,454

13,507

 Amount due from related parties- non-current

131,758

131,346

 Restricted cash – non-current 

358

5,643

 Right-of-use lease assets

5,506

3,900

 Other non-current assets

680

626

 Total non-current assets

153,439

156,282

 TOTAL ASSETS

$

226,211

$

213,784

 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 Current liabilities:

 Accounts payable

$

5,393

$

2,088

 Short-term debt

31,077

26,213

 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

37,068

34,589

 Short-term lease liabilities

2,836

3,088

 Payable to investors

14

14

 Amounts due to related parties

774

3,269

 Deferred revenue and advance from customers 

750

273

 Income tax payable

20,054

19,454

 Contingent consideration 

204

94

 Total current liabilities

98,170

89,082

 Non-current liabilities:

 Long-term debt

1,585

 Long-term lease liabilities

1,980

1,140

 Long-term contingent consideration

828

381

 Total non-current liabilities

2,808

3,106

 TOTAL LIABILITIES

$

100,978

$

92,188

 Shareholders’ Equity:

 Class A ordinary shares

751

757

 Class B ordinary shares

305

305

 Additional paid-in capital

720,513

731,521

 Statutory reserves

6,712

6,712

 Accumulated deficit

(614,830)

(631,407)

 Accumulated other comprehensive income

(9,338)

(8,978)

 Total Renren Inc. shareholders’ equity

104,113

98,910

 Noncontrolling interests

21,120

22,686

 TOTAL EQUITY

125,233

121,596

 TOAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

226,211

$

213,784

 

 

 

RENREN INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands of US dollars, except share data and per share data, ADS data, and per ADS data)

June 30,

June 30,

2019

2020

 Net revenues:

 Automobile sales

$

200,914

$

32,996

 Others

14,214

8,164

 Total net revenues

215,128

41,160

 Cost of revenues 

(201,873)

(33,993)

 Gross profit

13,255

7,167

 Operating expenses:

 Selling and marketing

(12,769)

(5,293)

 Research and development

(13,243)

(8,010)

 General and administrative

(13,657)

(17,071)

 Total operating expenses

(39,669)

(30,374)

 Loss from operations

(26,414)

(23,207)

 Other  income 

2,505

511

 Fair value change of contingent consideration

88,116

557

 Interest income

4,393

3,734

 Interest expenses

(1,468)

(779)

 Total non-operating income

93,546

4,023

 Income (loss) before provision of income tax and loss in equity
method investments, net of tax

67,132

(19,184)

 Income tax expenses

(628)

 Income (loss) before loss in equity method investments and
noncontrolling interest, net of tax

66,504

(19,184)

  (Loss) income in equity method investments, net of tax

(910)

79

 Income (loss) from continuing operations

65,594

(19,105)

 Net income (loss)

65,594

(19,105)

 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

2,133

2,528

 Net income (loss) attributable to Renren Inc.

$

67,727

$

(16,577)

 Net  income (loss) per share from continuing operations
attributable to Renren Inc.shareholders:

 Basic

$

0.06

$

(0.02)

 Diluted

$

0.04

$

(0.02)

 Net  income (loss) per share attributable to Renren Inc.
shareholders:

 Basic

$

0.06

$

(0.02)

 Diluted

$

0.04

$

(0.02)

 Net income (loss) attributable to Renren Inc. shareholders per
ADS*:

 Basic

$

2.53

$

(0.70)

 Diluted

$

1.56

$

(0.70)

 Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net loss
per ordinary share attributable to Renren Inc. shareholders:

 Basic

1,045,443,122

1,058,890,544

 Diluted

1,083,883,429

1,058,890,544

 * Each ADS represents 45 Class A ordinary shares.

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial
measures

 (In thousands of US dollars)

June 30,

June 30,

2019

2020

 Loss from opeartions

$

(26,414)

$

(23,207)

 Add back: Shared-based compensation expenses

6,869

11,015

     Add back: Amortization of intangible assets

192

192

 Adjusted loss from operations

$

(19,353)

$

(12,000)

 Net income (loss)

$

65,594

$

(19,105)

 Add back: Shared-based compensation expenses

6,869

11,015

  Add back: Fair value change of contingent consideration 

(88,116)

(557)

     Add back: Amortization of intangible assets

192

192

 Adjusted net income (loss)

$

(15,461)

$

(8,455)

 

 

 

RENREN INC.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands of US dollars)

For the Six Months Ended

June 30, 2019

June 30,  2020

Kaixin

Renren

Total

Kaixin

Renren

Total

 Net revenues:

 Automobile sales

$

200,914

$

$

200,914

$

32,996

$

$

32,996

 Others

3,685

10,529

14,214

299

7,865

8,164

 Total

204,599

10,529

215,128

33,295

7,865

41,160

 Cost of revenues 

$

195,969

$

5,904

$

201,873

$

32,375

$

1,618

$

33,993

 

 

Related Links :

http://www.renren.com

Flipclutch Research Report: Hologram AR leads the new trend and new application scenarios of automobile releases

HONG KONG, Dec. 29, 2020 — With the maturity of AR technology, the integration of AR with many industries has become deeper and deeper, and the industry changes brought about by it have also been implemented at an even more alarming speed. The automotive industry is one of the most significant industries.

When it comes to AR technology, some people think that it is far away from life, but in fact, it is very close. Using AR technology, car owners can more concisely and intuitively understand the various features and operation methods of the car in an all-round way. These are achieved byusing AR (augmented reality) holographic technology.

Augmented Reality (AR) technology is a technology that ingeniously integrates virtual information with the real world. After computer-generated texts, images, 3D models, music, videos, and other virtual information are simulated, they are applied to the real world. The two kinds of information complement each other to achieve the "enhancement" of the real world.

The car conference created by AR technology has created a unique way to hold the car conference, turning the traditional conference into a dynamic, fashionable, and creative trend. Meanwhile, thishas gained far more attention than before.

Traditional car conferences can only be displayed on a large screen, and it is difficult for the audience to have a good understanding of the car. The application of AR for car conferences makes the presentation of cars more detailed and specific. In the meantime, it can enhance users’ favorability of the brand, and has gradually become a highlight of brand marketing.

Through virtual reality technology, consumers can not only see the whole picture of the car, but also see its internal structure design, and have a more comprehensive understanding of the car. Virtual reality technology helps consumers get the best car buying experience, and they will no longer regret the limited test drive models and space limitations.

It is reported that in May this year, some car companies have released new cars through augmented reality (AR) technology. Users only need to log into the official website through the APP to watch the live event. Using AR technology, new cars can be displayed to consumers in the same size and scale.

The innovative launch is the first time that car makers have used augmented reality to host virtual conferences on new models. It is reported that the car dealer will also plan to provide this new model appreciation function for the entire model series.

At present, many technology giants have been laying out in the AR field and constantly developing AR application scenarios.

According to reports, recently, WIMI officially announced the establishment of the "Holographic Academy of Science" to research the cutting-edge technology of holographic AR and disruptive technological innovation.

Holographic projection technology is a technology that uses the principles of interference and diffraction to record and reproduce real three-dimensional images of objects. Holographic projection observes the photos through different directions and angles, and you can see the different angles of the object being photographed, so the recorded images can make people have stereo vision.

The range of applications of holographic projection includes automotive conferences, product exhibitions, stage programs, interaction, bar entertainment, and interactive projection. With the advancement of technology, holographic projection technology will continue to develop.

WIMI Hologram Cloud is a holographic cloud comprehensive technical solution provider. Its business covers multiple links of the Hologram AR technology, including Hologram computer visual AI synthesis, Hologram visual presentation, Hologram interactive software development, Hologram AR online and offline advertising, Hologram ARSDK payment, as well as 5G Hologram communication software development. WIMI’s commercial application scenarios are mainly concentrated in five professional fields, including home entertainment, light field theater, performing arts system, commercial publishing system, and advertising display system.

WIMI utilizes its strong technical capabilities and infrastructure to provide excellent products and services. Its core business is holographic AR technology for software engineering, media manufacturing services, as well as cloud and big data.

With the high prosperity of the automotive market, people’s demand for human-vehicle interaction continues to increase, which also makes AR technology more used in the release conference of new automotive products, thereby increasing the application scenarios of AR holographic technology.

As for 2020, the automotive market will continue to be highly competitive, and AR technology will continue to develop as always. However, for the innovative application of technology, the combination of AR technology and application scenarios will become closer. The wide application of AR technology in many scenarios has greatly enriched people’s experience in scenarios. This also makes people full of expectations for the future application and innovation of AR technology.

About Flipclutch

Flipclutch Team is a leading market research company in Hong Kong. They have established a professional and proprietary research platform for financial markets, focusing on emerging growth companies and technologically leading companies. Flipclutch team is professional in market research reports, industry insights & financing trends analysis. For more information, please visit http://www.Flipclutch.com

DDPAI, Collaborates with HUAWEI HiCar and HONOR Choice to release Car Smart Screen and Wireless Fast Charging Car Holder

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 28, 2020 — DDPAI has jointly developed two new products in collaboration with HUAWEI HiCar and HONOR Choice – the Huawei Car Smart Screen and Wireless Fast Charging Car Holder. Officially launched at the Mate 40 series in October, the Car Smart Screen is dedicated to providing users with a smarter travel experience and provides a seamless connectivity with HUAWEI and HONOR smartphones. Based on distributed capabilities, apps that support HUAWEI HiCar can be seamlessly transferred to the in-vehicle smart screen. At the same time, users will also enjoy smooth video calls, full interface voice control, and other smart functions.

Huawei Hicar more intelligent
Huawei Hicar more intelligent

DDPAI also collaborated with HONOR Choice Life House to release the new -DDPAI Wireless Fast Charging Car Holder. HONOR Choice is an eco-partnership program of HONOR open to all smart life scenario players in the consumer field, aiming to create a comprehensive AIoT ecosystem. DDPAI’s professionalism in the automotive accessories market and position as the leader in car dash cams, coupled with HONOR’s strict production process and excellent quality control, makes for a strong foundation for cooperation between the two brands.

The Wireless Fast Charging Car Holder aims to offer an elevated driving experience for drivers and designed for a single hand operation. Offering not just an clamp that automatically holds the smartphone when hovered in front of it, it also offers 15w wireless fast-charging. Now people can say goodbye to messy cables in their car. The holder will be available for purchase in Thailand January 2021.

This coming 2021, DDPAI is offering free gifts and shipping for all purchases made via its official store on Lazada and Shopee from 28 Dec 2020 to 1 Jan 2021. If the buyer is one of the first 50 orders beginning 12am, 1 Jan 2021, they will stand a chance to take their purchase home for free.

Stay tuned for more information on DDPAI’s latest products and its availability. Currently, some of DDPAI’s best dash cams such Mola N3, Mini and Mini 5 are already available on the brand’s official store on Shopee and Lazada.

 

Renren Announces Appointment of New Auditor

BEIJING, Dec. 12, 2020 — Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) ("Renren" or the "Company"), which operates a premium used auto business in China through its subsidiary Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ: KXIN) as well as several U.S.-based SaaS businesses, today announced the appointment of Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP ("MarcumBP") as its independent registered public accounting firm, effective December 9, 2020.

The appointment of MarcumBP was made after a careful and thorough evaluation process and has been approved by Renren’s board and audit committee.

MarcumBP will replace KPMG Huazhen LLP ("KPMG") as Renren’s independent registered public accounting firm. Renren’s decision to change its auditor was not the result of any disagreement between Renren and KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.

About Renren Inc.

Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) operates a premium used auto business in China through its subsidiary Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ: KXIN) as well as several US-based SaaS businesses. Renren’s American depositary shares, each of which currently represents forty-five (45) Class A ordinary shares, trade on NYSE under the symbol "RENN".

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Renren may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Renren’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report on Form 20-F, the 6-K referred to above and other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Renren does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Related Links :

http://www.renren.com