Chongqing - According to the recently released government work report submitted to China's national legislature for deliberation, China accounted for over 60 percent of global electric vehicle output and sales in 2023.

"This highlight particularly stood out to me," said Chu Wenbo, president of Western China Science City Innovation Center of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles (WICV), during an exclusive interview with Bridging News on March 6. 

Statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) indicated that China's auto exports surged 57.9 percent yearly to a record high of 4.91 million vehicles in 2023 as its automakers expanded their presence overseas.

Improving semiconductor chips, software, and algorithms

Located in the Western (Chongqing) Science City, WICV is dedicated to developing crucial components and technologies, cloud control systems, big data, and other fields to advance the intelligent connected vehicles sector.

"When we first started producing intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) and new energy vehicles (NEVs) in 2008, there were hardly any exports. However, our automotive industry has witnessed significant growth since then," Chu noted, attributing this rise to the country's innovative energy policies and solid governmental support.

Chu highlighted that many domestic brands and their products, including parts and components, have recently achieved international acclaim.

He believes that for China to maintain its momentum in the ICV market, it's essential to improve critical areas like semiconductor chips, software, and algorithms. This focus is crucial for establishing strong competencies in core and autonomously controlled components within the world's leading market for production and sales.

A more connected and efficient transportation ecosystem 

The government work report's emphasis on the digital economy leads to Chu's elaboration on the Digital Chongqing development, a pioneering approach to integrating technology into the urban fabric, for instance, through ICVs. This initiative represents a strategy to leverage digital technology for urban development and mobility solutions.

Chu explained, "We are transitioning vehicle data to the cloud, enabling communication between vehicles and roadside infrastructure through the cloud." He believes this turns vehicles into essential data sources and core platforms for digital innovation.

Further expanding on this concept, Chu introduced their development of a centralized technology platform designed explicitly for cloud-based control of ICVs. "This platform will integrate government and transportation data, and it will enhance the exchange of information between car manufacturers," he explained. 

Through this platform, data sharing between companies and vehicles will become more efficient. Chu added that the ultimate goal is to create a more connected, intelligent, and efficient transportation ecosystem that supports vehicle growth and urban development.