As an alternative way to save operational costs and improve efficiency in the near future, Vivo is reportedly planning to merge its sub-brand IQOO into the main business. In other words, it may also be interpreted as a measure to reduce some existing staff.
Several portals report that this plan will involve merging IQOO's branding and online business team with Vivo's existing team. At the same time it is not yet certain if IQOO will maintain the business unit separately or otherwise. Furthermore, there is also the possibility that Vivo's management is in discussions to eliminate the existing IQOO physical store.
It's no secret that Vivo and IQOO share almost every resource in common including supply chain and software. The only difference lies in the methods and marketing strategies used by both. However with this merger it seems that the IQOO will become part of the regular line of devices in Vivo's portfolio.
Until now, no official statement has been issued by Vivo management following this viral plan. It is however not a surprising thing when the same thing happened to OnePlus before which was reported to be operating under the Oppo brand. At the same time, the two have also announced a strategic collaboration in an effort to improve the quality of their respective products.