Chongqing - Chongqing is turning the pages of science fiction into reality with Changan Automobile's latest patent: a technology that allows car drivers to control their vehicles using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals by simply leaning their heads against a soft headrest. 

This breakthrough heralds a future where EEG control technology could become commonplace in vehicles. So far, Changan Automobile is spearheading innovation by developing over 200 core technologies in intelligent connectivity and autonomous driving. 

Zhu Huarong, the company's chairman, highlights their dedication to innovation, noting, "Last year, we applied for over 4,900 patents, underscoring our strong commitment to research and development." 

The company plans to launch more than 20 intelligent electric vehicles shortly, reinforcing Chongqing's status as a key player in the technology-oriented automotive industry and its ambitious stride towards embracing new quality productive forces.

Intelligent upgrading of traditional industries

Huafon Chongqing Spandex Co, Ltd., the world's largest spandex production facility, efficiently produces high-quality spandex fibers on a large scale. Chen Zhaojie from the company's integrated management department explained their focus on spandex research to meet international standards, including developing super chlorine-resistant spandex.

Huafon Chongqing's efforts reflect the city's broader goal to modernize its industrial sector by integrating advanced information technology, such as the industrial Internet and cloud services. This strategy cuts production costs and improves quality and efficiency.

Chongqing Tsingshan Industrial Co., Ltd., a pioneer in automobile transmissions, pursues technological advancement. "By adopting 5G and big data, we've transformed our manufacturing process, now monitoring over 12,000 sensors across 153 pieces of equipment in real-time, resulting in a 30% boost in production efficiency," said Pan Kai, the company's deputy general manager.

This surge of innovation is transforming Chongqing, affecting diverse sectors, from steel and chemicals to communications technology and information services. The city has implemented 144 smart factories and 958 digital workshops, which have increased productivity by 50% and reduced production costs by 30%.

Fostering modern manufacturing clusters

Chongqing spans 39 of 41 national industrial categories, actively promoting high-quality production. The city has attracted 16 smart new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers, linking over 200 companies in its industry chain. In 2023, it announced the "33618" modern manufacturing cluster system, aligning with trends in electrification and smart technology.

Since the beginning of the year, Chongqing's NEV sector has experienced rapid growth. In the first two months, Chang'an Automobile and Seres saw their NEV sales jump to 75,000, up 54%, and 67,000 units, up 485%, respectively. Chongqing brands like AITO and Deepal have quickly risen to the top ten of China's car manufacturers, with AITO frequently securing the top position.

Moreover, Chongqing plans to cultivate six futuristic industries, including satellite Internet, biomanufacturing, and life sciences. The city spearheads research into breakthrough topics like sleep and memory revival, decoding human immunity, organ regeneration, and constructing space-based solar power stations.

These innovative technologies and products are forming a cohesive industrial network. For example, the satellite Internet sector in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area has drawn top enterprises, creating a strong industry chain with 139 associated companies and achieving an industry value of 3.5 billion yuan (USD 500 million). This has successfully built a complete ecosystem for satellite Internet development.