(JW Insights) Sep 30 -- Beijing has built the world's first connected cloud-controlled autonomous driving demonstration zone and has completed three phases of iterative upgrades, with road sections available in an area of 160 square kilometers. It is at forefront of smart vehicle industry, reported China Daily on September 25.

Intelligent connected vehicles are a strategic focus for reshaping the global auto sector, and mastering their core technologies in the field is crucial for China's auto industry, officials said at the 2023 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference.

Beijing Mayor Yin Yong said during the opening ceremony of the September 20-24 conference that the city has leveraged its advantages for developing ICVs.

Yin said Beijing has taken the lead in launching autonomous driving services and supportive policies, open public test roads and license issuance in order to accelerate development of an innovative ICV industry ecosystem.

In April 2022, Beijing became the first Chinese city to greenlight the pilot commercial operation of self-driving passenger vehicles without anyone in the driver's seat and Baidu's autonomous driving arm, Apollo Go, was among the first to offer fully autonomous driving services in China.

During the conference, Chinese autonomous mobility startup Pony.ai announced commencement of autonomous driving shuttle tests between Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area.

Gan Jiayue, CEO of Geely Auto, told the conference that future vehicles will serve as highly integrated, super-intelligent mobile terminals connecting the online and offline worlds.

Meanwhile, a consensus on advancing global commercialization of ICVs was also announced.

The conference also includes an ICV exhibition showcasing the latest models, cutting-edge technologies and innovative products.

(Gao J/Yuan XY)