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China Approves Public Trials for Advanced Autonomous Driving
China grants approval for public trials of advanced autonomous driving technologies. Nine automakers, including BYD and Nio, to conduct tests on level three autonomous driving. Fleet operators, such as ride-hailing companies, will also be involved in the trials.
This move is part of the country's plan to accelerate the development and deployment of self-driving vehicles.
The approved tests will focus on level three autonomous driving technologies, which allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel under certain conditions. Automakers such as BYD, Nio, Changan Automobile, GAC, and SAIC, along with ride-hailing companies, will participate in these trials, according to a statement published by the industry ministry on Tuesday.
China's auto industry has categorised autonomous driving into five levels, ranging from basic driver assistance features at level one to fully self-driving cars at level five. The nationwide scheme, introduced last November, aims to encourage companies to develop and deploy more advanced autonomous driving vehicles for mass adoption.
During the trials, the responsibility for safety will lie with the automakers and fleet operators, allowing drivers in the test vehicles to take their hands off the steering wheel. This marks a significant milestone towards the commercialisation of more advanced autonomous driving technologies, although the ministry did not provide further details.
Automaker executives have expressed optimism about the progress, stating that it brings level three vehicles closer to being available for sale to individual buyers and fleet operators. Currently, several automakers and suppliers, including Huawei and Xpeng, offer level two autonomous driving capabilities in China, which still require an attentive driver with hands on the wheel.
In addition to the local players, Tesla is also making strides in the Chinese market. The company is reportedly preparing to deliver its "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) software to Chinese users within the year. Although FSD is also a level-two system, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that fully autonomous vehicles are on the horizon.
China grants approval for public trials of advanced autonomous driving technologies
Nine automakers, including BYD and Nio, to conduct tests on level three autonomous driving
Fleet operators, such as ride-hailing companies, will also be involved in the trials
Source: REUTERS