China Tightens Rules on Self-Driving EVs After Fatal Xiaomi Crash

China has introduced stricter guidelines for self-driving electric vehicles following a fatal crash involving a Xiaomi SU7, as the country’s level 2 driving automation enters a critical phase of widespread use.

Credit: XIAOMI

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and the China Society of Automotive Engineers issued a joint statement urging carmakers to improve safety designs and implement effective driver warning systems.

The announcement follows a Xiaomi SU7 crash in Anhui province last month that killed three people. The vehicle was travelling at 116 km/h with its driver-assistance system engaged. Xiaomi said the system alerted the driver to take control two seconds before the car hit a concrete barrier.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently summoned representatives from 60 companies, instructing them to comply with regulations and avoid overstating the capabilities of driver-assistance systems.

MIIT also banned the use of terms such as “smart driving,” “advanced smart driving,” and “autonomous driving” in marketing materials for current systems.

Most self-driving systems in mainland China are classified as level 2 or L2+, which require drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and remain alert. Level 3 systems, which allow hands-off driving, are not yet legal in China.

Analysts said the Xiaomi crash highlights the widespread use of navigation on autopilot (NOA) and the lack of public understanding about its limitations.

David Zhang, general secretary of the International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association, said millions of drivers need education on proper NOA usage and must remain fully alert when the system is active.

The automobile association also urged carmakers to follow MIIT’s classification standards, avoid misleading advertising, and clearly inform consumers about system functions, correct usage, and emergency procedures.

The goal is to ensure users understand the difference between driver assistance and autonomous driving, and to prevent misuse of the technology.

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• China tightens EV safety rules after Xiaomi SU7 crash killed three

• Carmakers told to avoid misleading terms like “autonomous driving”

• Level 2 systems require drivers to stay alert and hands-on

Source: SCMP

iFlytek Showcases AI Model Trained Entirely on Huawei Chips Amid US Tech Restrictions

Chinese voice-recognition company iFlytek announced that its Xinghuo X1 reasoning model, trained entirely using Huawei Technologies’ AI chips, has achieved performance on par with OpenAI o1 and DeepSeek R1.

Credit: iFLYTEK

The company said the model is “self-sufficient” and “controllable,” and was developed without reliance on Nvidia chips, which are now subject to tighter US export restrictions.

iFlytek and Huawei began co-developing the Xinghuo X1 model in June last year, aiming to overcome limitations in domestic chip interconnect bandwidth.

At the end of last year, Huawei’s Ascend 910B AI chip operated at only 20% of Nvidia’s efficiency for training reasoning models. That figure has since increased to nearly 80%, according to iFlytek founder and Chairman Liu Qingfeng.

Liu said during a Tuesday earnings call that the company’s reliance on Chinese computing platforms gives it a strategic edge as global organisations seek to reduce geopolitical risk.

He added that US restrictions on China’s access to computing chips will likely become more severe, making self-reliant AI models increasingly valuable for state-owned enterprises and critical industries.

Liu also noted that if China is fully cut off from Nvidia chips, iFlytek’s domestic infrastructure would serve as a vital safeguard.

The company plans to promote its large language models (LLMs) internationally, citing growing global interest in alternatives amid ongoing trade tensions.

In July 2024, iFlytek established its international headquarters in Hong Kong to offer LLM and voice recognition tools to local clients and expand its global presence in intelligent education hardware and services.

On Tuesday, the Shenzhen-listed firm reported 2024 revenue of 23.34 billion yuan (USD 3.1 billion), an 18.79% increase year on year. However, net profit declined by 14.78%, and shares closed 0.44% lower.

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• iFlytek’s Xinghuo X1 model matches OpenAI o1 and DeepSeek R1 in performance

• Model trained entirely with Huawei’s Ascend 910B AI chips

• Efficiency of Huawei chips improved from 20% to nearly 80% of Nvidia’s

Source: SCMP

China Auto Show 2024: EV Makers Launch Tesla Rivals Amid Crackdown on Autonomous Tech

More than 70 automotive brands are unveiling over 100 new or updated models at the Shanghai auto show from April 23 to May 2, intensifying competition in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.

Credit: BYD

Chinese giants like BYD and Geely are expected to dominate the event, while international players including Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota and General Motors’ Cadillac brand aim to capture attention.

The show comes amid a government crackdown on marketing terms such as “smart” or “autonomous” following a fatal crash involving Xiaomi’s SU7 in March. The incident, which killed three people, occurred after the driver attempted to take control from the car’s assisted-driving system.

As a result, automakers including BYD and Zeekr are revising their presentations to focus on driver caution rather than automated-driving capabilities.

Driver-assistance systems have become a key differentiator in China’s crowded EV market. BYD, the country’s top EV and hybrid manufacturer, announced in February that its “God’s Eye” system would be standard across all models, including entry-level vehicles priced around USD 10,000.

Analyst Bo Yu from Jato Dynamics said BYD is using its scale to pressure rivals, similar to its earlier strategy in the EV sector.

In February, regulators also banned over-the-air updates to driver-assistance software without approval, prompting Tesla to end a free trial of its “Full Self Driving” software in China. Tesla has since renamed the system “intelligent assisted driving.”

Huawei, which partners with Chinese automakers on eight models, launched a campaign urging users to prioritise safety when using assisted-driving features. At a recent livestreamed event, actress Liu Yifei, a brand ambassador for Huawei and Chery’s Luxeed brand, echoed the message of cautious driving.

Zeekr, Geely’s EV brand, had planned to highlight its first model with Level 3 driver-assistance technology, which allows hands-off driving under certain conditions. However, the company will now focus on hybrid models and battery advancements during its press events.

Regulators are also tightening EV battery standards to reduce fire and explosion risks.

Despite regulatory hurdles, China’s “new energy vehicle” sector continues to grow rapidly. Electrified vehicles now make up over half of all new car sales in the country, surpassing targets originally set for 2030.

Around a dozen new electric crossovers debuting at the show are priced to compete directly with Tesla’s Model Y. These include Xpeng’s G6 and Zeekr’s E6, which offer advanced features at lower prices.

Tesla’s market share in China has dropped from 15% in 2020 to 9% in the first quarter of this year. The company has not participated in China’s auto shows since 2021 and has been slower to release new models compared to local competitors.

Xiaomi, which had been expected to unveil its YU7 crossover, will instead display its existing SU7 and SU7 Ultra models without holding a press conference.

Independent analyst Lei Xing described the wave of new Chinese electric crossovers as “Model Y killers,” saying Tesla now faces pressure from a dozen strong competitors.

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• Shanghai auto show runs from April 23 to May 2 with over 100 new models

• BYD and Geely lead domestic brands; foreign automakers also participate

• China cracks down on autonomous tech marketing after fatal crash

Source: REUTERS