China’s Industry Ministry released a blueprint on Thursday aimed at expanding the country’s intelligent electric-vehicle sector. The plan calls for the broad use of autonomous vehicles by 2030 while seeking to raise the international position of Chinese automakers.
The government expects self-driving vehicles to operate widely on highways, city express routes and certain urban roads by the end of the decade. It also set a goal for automated vehicles to reach safety standards exceeding those of cars operated by people.
The roadmap envisages several Chinese carmakers joining the world’s 10 largest manufacturers by sales. It also seeks to make domestic brands more competitive internationally and give China a greater role in setting global automotive standards.
Alongside its technology push, Beijing plans stronger supervision of auto and battery manufacturing capacity. Measures include discouraging excessive investment, supporting consolidation, removing inefficient production, enforcing antitrust rules and limiting improper incentives offered by local authorities.
Authorities will tighten requirements governing vehicle manufacturing, road safety, autonomous-driving systems and software updates. The plan also proposes examining dedicated approval processes for important components and vehicles produced in limited quantities, while improving product-quality oversight and competition conditions.
China intends to deepen collaboration between domestic and overseas companies on vehicle and core-component development, investment and international expansion. It will also issue guidance for automakers seeking to meet regulatory requirements in foreign markets.
