Chongqing to Create More Smart Vehicle Testing Scenarios by 2030

Chongqing- Chongqing Yongchuan District lays out a plan to build the area into a smart vehicle hub in western China, released by the district government at the press conference on October 9. Just a month ago, Chongqing municipal government released the plan to build a World-class ICV and NEV Industry Cluster in 2030.

Leaders from Chongqing and Yongchuan Districts presented at the press conference. (iChongqing/Kenny Dong)

After implementing several smart-vehicle-related projects, Yongchuan announced a plan to upgrade its auto production and big data industries by developing an intelligently connected and new energy vehicle industry. The plan states that by 2030, Yongchuan's auto industry will reach a 30-million-yuan level with many smart vehicle testing scenarios.

Chang Xiaoyong, Mayor of Yongchuan District, said that Yongchuan has four advantages to achieving that goal: a complete auto industry chain, the big data foundation, various testing scenarios, and innovative regulations.

Yongchuan is like a small version of Chongqing in terms of its local auto industry. It has a relatively complete industry chain based on the most important local auto producer, and Changcheng, a well-known auto producer, also set up a manufacturing base here. The company has been deemed promising by its popular brands like Haval and Tank.

Tank 300, with its gorgeous look, great performance, and affordable price, has become the most popular SUV produced by Changcheng Auto. (iChongqing/Kenny Dong)

According to the previous report, Yongchuan applied big data management in transportation. The smart transportation system has reduced 11.3% of road congestion and 15% of traffic violations.

Yongchuan has its Big Data Industrial Park, which enjoys the advantages of geographical location, and fast and convenient transportation between Chongqing and Chengdu. The park has been able to form an industry cluster in the fields of software information, data processing, and digital content.

Yongchuan District is also a center for smart vehicle trails, serving as China's first place to conduct the autonomous driving pilot operation. Baidu Apollo Gostarteds its autonomous riding commercial trail here by dropping several unmanned riding cars and letting people call through the online app. Besides, 1,385 kilometers of road in Yongchuan are open for autonomous driving testing, covering different road conditions that serve the L4 autonomous standard.

The 5G control station of Baidu Apollo Go shows the company's technology to drive a car remotely. The safety officer will take over the autonomous vehicle when necessary to prevent an accident. (iChongqing/Kenny Dong)

With such cutting-edge explorations, the district has contributed to forming autonomous driving regulations. The latest Yongchuan intelligent vehicle road testing and application proposed regulations and has allowed companies to conduct unmanned testing and commercial operation.

Chang said that Yongchuan would focus on five aspects to achieve the industry upgrade goal. The first is to improve smart whole-vehicle production. Secondly, to renovate the traditional auto industry chain to fit the auto intelligentization. The third is to develop auto software. The fourth is to promote the whole district to open for autonomous driving. Finally, infrastructures like charging stations and battery swap stations need to up the ante.