Chongqing - During the recent “two sessions,” the automotive industry was a major focus. Discussions spanned government work reports and suggestions by deputies and members, highlighting the push for intelligent connected new energy vehicles (NEVs), autonomous driving mass production, and Chinese carmakers' global expansion.
At the Chongqing delegation's open group meeting on March 6, Zhu Huarong, a deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC) and chairman of Changan Automobile, introduced the widely debated term “new automobiles.”
On February 21, robotic arms are installing seats at the Seres Auto Super Factory in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui, Visual Chongqing)
In the early phase of NEV development, the focus was on electrification—batteries, electric drives, and power systems. However, with the rise of AI, big data, and autonomous driving, vehicles are evolving beyond mere transportation tools into intelligent platforms.
According to Zhu, a “new automobile” is an evolving intelligent automotive robot with attributes such as a mobile multifunctional space, an intelligent computing terminal, a data collection carrier, and a mobile energy storage unit.
The essence of “new automobiles” lies in intelligence. Other industry leaders echo this sentiment. BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu has stated that cars are transitioning from “electric mobility tools” to “advanced intelligent lifeforms.” Similarly, Huawei’s Executive Director Richard Yu has emphasized that intelligence is the key to securing the future of the automotive industry.
As competition in the next phase of NEV development heats up, is Chongqing ready?
In February, BYD shook the industry by announcing that its intelligent body control system would be available across its entire vehicle lineup, including models priced below 100,000 yuan (about 13,828 U.S. dollars). This move aims to democratize smart driving technology, allowing even entry-level vehicles to benefit from high-end autonomous features.
A local automotive executive noted that autonomous driving, smart cockpits, and AI-based features are becoming key selling points for car brands. BYD’s decision reflects the shifting consumer demand, where intelligence is as critical as performance and price.
The industry’s competitive landscape has transformed. “NEV development has exceeded expectations,” said Zhang Xinghai, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairman of Seres Group. “Competition has shifted from battery range and pricing to intelligence.”
Zhu also stressed that the rapid advancement of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) is inevitable and that Chongqing must maintain its strategic focus on driving innovation in this field.
Changan and Seres, two of Chongqing’s leading automakers, have long recognized the importance of smart technology and have been actively preparing for this transition.
Back in 2016, Changan successfully completed a 2,000-kilometer autonomous driving test from Chongqing to Beijing, drawing industry-wide attention. The company has since developed its Tianshu smart driving system and achieved several milestones, including the first mass production of L2-level IACC intelligent cruise control and the global launch of APA7.0 remote valet parking.
Seres, on the other hand, was the first automaker to form a deep partnership with Huawei, bringing smart driving cockpits to the mainstream through its AITO series.
Their early investments in smart technology have yielded impressive results. In 2024, Changan sold 734,000 NEVs, a 52.8% year-on-year increase, with its Avatr, Deepal, and Nevo models gaining strong market recognition. Meanwhile, Seres sold over 420,000 NEVs, marking a 182.2% increase, with its AITO M9 surpassing 200,000 pre-orders and dominating China’s luxury car market for 11 consecutive months. Both companies have gained a competitive edge in intelligence, positioning themselves as leaders in China’s smart vehicle industry.
Chongqing is accelerating its push to become a world leader in smart NEVs.
On March 4, the Chongqing delegation submitted a collective suggestion urging national support for a world-class intelligent connected NEV cluster. The initiative aligns with China’s new quality productive forces strategy, enhances industrial chain security, and drives economic transformation in western China.
The city has built a robust ecosystem with over 10 automakers and 56 key component manufacturers. In 2024, Chongqing produced 953,000 NEVs, a 90.5% increase, ranking among China's top three. Models priced above 200,000 yuan now account for 48.3% of production, up 21.6% year-over-year.
Investment in R&D is also surging, with 3.1% of industry revenue dedicated to innovation—1.3% above the national average.
Recent breakthroughs highlight Chongqing’s capabilities. Changan’s AI Smart Factory was a top-five finalist for the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Award during the “two Sessions,” showcasing China’s digital automotive prowess. With over 40 AI technologies, the factory boosted efficiency by 40%, cut carbon emissions by 30%, and lowered costs by 20%.
Meanwhile, Seres’ super factory, powered by 3,000+ synchronized robots, is setting new global benchmarks in efficiency and precision.
The “AI+Car” revolution was a key focus at the “two sessions,” with deputies and members highlighting AI's transformative impact on China's auto sector.
NPC deputy and iFlytek chairman Liu Qingfeng predicted that AI will drive the next wave of smart cars, shaping innovation through machine learning and enhanced user experiences. Zhang echoed this, emphasizing AI's role in helping Chinese automakers compete in the high-end market.
On March 3, Geely’s AI tech launch outlined a shift from “Car + AI” to “AI + Car.” Yin Qi, chairman of Chongqing-based Qianli Tech, forecasted 2025 as the breakthrough year for AI-powered vehicle agents, transforming cars into intelligent lifeforms.
Recognizing this shift, Chongqing is expanding its smart vehicle strategy, adding firms like Qianli Tech to its existing Huawei partnerships to deepen AI integration.
As the city strengthens its smart auto ecosystem, it is also pushing for national support in automotive-grade chip manufacturing and NEV enterprise listings. With a clear vision and strong industry backing, Chongqing is set to lead China’s next automotive revolution.
(Bai Lin and Yang Jun, reporters from Chongqing Daily, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)
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