Beijing auto show seen as showcase for self-driving vehicles
Chinese car makers expected to demonstrate their progress in development of autonomous cars
Chinese carmakers are set to showcase their prowess in self-driving vehicles at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition this week, offering up a snapshot of emerging trends in the world’s largest auto market.
Just a week before the auto show, a driverless car manufactured by Changan Automobile completed a six-day journey travelling 2,000 kilometres from the Shenzhen-listed carmaker’s headquarters in Chongqing to Beijing. The road trip marked the longest road test of a self-driving car in China.
The car employed cameras and radar forassisting the driver in traffic manoeuvres such as changing lanes and passing vehicles. It was also able to recognise traffic signs and follow voice commands.
Changan has brought the prototype vehicle, based on its sedan model Raeton, to the 10-day Beijing auto show which kicks-off Monday. Mass production of the vehicles is expected to begin in 2019.
The Beijing auto show, which alternates each year with a similar event in Shanghai, has been an important event for carmakers at home and abroad because of the huge potential in the Chinese market. More than 1,600 exhibitors, mostly carmakers, will showcase their wares at this year’s show, with 112 car models set to make their global debuts.
Joining the show for the first time, Chinese entertainment giant LeEco will be in the spotlight as it introduces its self-driving all-electric concept car, named LeSEE, ahead of the auto show. The company says its goal is to compete with Tesla’s Model S.