In a significant move towards enhancing road safety, 11 automakers have joined forces to push for stricter industry standards and greater transparency in autonomous driving technologies in the Chinese mainland. The joint initiative was announced on Sunday and is led by tech giant Huawei.
The coalition includes prominent Chinese car manufacturers such as GAC, SAIC, JAC, Dongfeng M-Hero, Voyah, Deepal, BAIC, Avatr, Seres, and Chery. Notably, Audi stands out as the sole international automaker among the signatories, highlighting the global interest in advancing autonomous driving safety.
The initiative emphasizes four key points:
Technology Investment: Prioritizing research and development to enhance vehicle safety systems.
Transparent Marketing: Clearly defining the capabilities and limitations of assisted driving features to prevent misleading claims.
User Education: Launching training programs to improve driver awareness and promote proper system usage.
Standardization: Collaborating across the industry to strengthen safety regulations.
This announcement builds on a previous proposal made on April 21 by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and the China Society of Automotive Engineers. The earlier proposal urged automakers to avoid exaggerated marketing, clarify system boundaries, and ensure users understand that assisted driving is not equivalent to full autonomy.
The united effort signifies a growing commitment within the automotive industry to address safety concerns associated with autonomous driving technologies. By working together, these companies aim to foster a safer environment for all road users and pave the way for responsible innovation in the field of intelligent transportation.
