China has granted approval to a first group of nine automakers to carry out tests of advanced autonomous driving technologies on public roads, as part of a plan to accelerate adoption of self-driving cars.
The tests of so-called level three autonomous driving technologies, of the industry-defined five levels, will be carried out by automakers including BYD Company and Nio and major state-owned manufacturers such as Changan Automobile, GAC and SAIC, according to a statement published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Tuesday.
Fleet operators such as ride-hailing companies will also be involved in the tests.
The ministry said the trial would pave way for further commercialisation of more advanced autonomous driving technologies, without elaborating. Automaker executives said it was a step closer to allowing level three vehicles to be sold to, and used by, individual buyers and fleet operators.