autonomous driving

Qualcomm is expanding beyond smartphone chips into the automotive sector, showcased by its Snapdragon Ride Pilot system co-developed with BMW. The Level 2+ autonomous driving system, debuting in the BMW iX3, allows hands-free driving on certain roads. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon anticipates significant interest from other automakers seeking to license the technology, heralding it as a potential “domino effect.” Qualcomm projects $8 billion in automotive revenue by 2029, driven by its comprehensive, integrated platform for autonomy and its strategic partnerships.

Huawei’s Richard Yu is challenging LiDAR skepticism with the new AITO M7, showcasing its ADS 4.0’s ability to navigate complex urban environments in Chongqing. The system utilizes a multi-sensor approach, including LiDAR, contrasting with Tesla’s camera-only strategy. Huawei claims the AITO M7 successfully navigated numerous challenges on the first attempt, attributing its capabilities to their intelligent driving technology and LiDAR. The debate revolves around the necessity of LiDAR for fully autonomous driving versus reliance on cameras. Widespread adoption depends on long-term performance and regulatory approval.

SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) and Huawei are deepening their partnership to advance autonomous driving, smart cockpits, and intelligent manufacturing. The collaboration will integrate Huawei’s technologies, including ADS 4 autonomous driving and HarmonySpace 5 smart cockpit, into SGMW vehicles, starting with the Baojun Huajing S SUV. This also includes using Huawei’s technologies to upgrade SGMW’s proprietary technologies and its Intelligent Island Manufacturing System (I²MS).

Xpeng Motors showcased its “AI Changing the World” vision at the Chengdu Motor Show, presenting vehicles like the revamped P7, G7, X9, MONA M03, and the IRON humanoid robot. The exhibit highlighted Xpeng’s AI technologies, including its Turing AI system, custom chip, and fast charging solutions. First deliveries of the updated P7 coincided with the show. Driven by strong financial results and record deliveries, Xpeng is expanding its technology partnership with Volkswagen and accelerating its global presence, aiming to become a leading global AI automotive company.

A recent Chinese autonomous driving assist system test by Dongchedi, involving 36 vehicles, has sparked controversy and conspiracy theories. The test revealed limitations, even in Tesla’s systems, and polarized reactions. Some criticize the methodology, while others allege bias, suggesting a foreign-backed plot to undermine Chinese automakers and delay Level 3 standards. Skeptics dismiss these claims, viewing the test as highlighting real-world limitations. More balanced views see the controversy as a necessary step towards accurately representing autonomous driving capabilities and avoiding public misinformation.

A recent assisted driving test by Dongchedi, involving 36 vehicles in simulated accident scenarios, revealed limitations in current systems. While Tesla performed best, no vehicle flawlessly navigated all tests. Chinese systems, including Huawei’s, fared worse. The test sparked debate about methodology but highlights that even advanced features remain assistive, not autonomous. Official media emphasize inherent risks, with dealerships shifting to a “hands-on, eyes-on” marketing approach. Experts stress that drivers must remain attentive and understand the limitations of Level 2 assisted driving systems.

Xpeng Motors CEO He Xiaopeng believes China and the US are leading the autonomous driving race. While currently at a similar Level 2-4, China’s faster momentum in technology, market acceptance, and regulation could allow it to surpass the US, particularly in L2 and L3 applications. He Xiaopeng’s comments follow Tesla’s demonstration of a “fully autonomous delivery” using a Model Y, which Elon Musk hailed as “true self-driving,” showcasing Level 4 capabilities.

Huawei announced an aggressive autonomous driving roadmap. Executives stated pilot L3 deployments begin this year, with scaled L3 commercialization in 2026. The company targets full L4 system commercialization by 2027 and autonomous highway logistics by 2028, acknowledging Tesla likely leads by a year. Huawei emphasized L3 marks a critical shift requiring driver vigilance and liability shifts towards manufacturers. Senior executive Richard Yu confirmed reliance on their systems, stating “Huawei is ready for L3” to transform commutes. (95 words)

NIO’s Chief Technology Planning Expert, Hu Chengchen, has departed the company. Initial reports linked his departure to chip development, citing a user-generated Baidu Baike entry. However, NIO’s Assistant VP of Brand and Communication clarified that Hu was not involved in chip development, but rather the company’s long-term technology roadmap. This comes as NIO rolls out its in-house World Model and its NX9031 intelligent driving chip, which a company executive stated contributed to increased profit margins.

Huawei’s Eric Xu predicts a surge in 5G-connected car adoption in China, reaching 30% of new passenger vehicle sales by 2025 and 95% by 2030. He differentiates between connectivity approaches for the cockpit (B2C) and telematics (B2B). Recognizing challenges like IPR and pricing, Xu urges industry collaboration, with Huawei and GSMA playing key roles in resolving them.