China Targets Mass Deployment of Self-Driving Vehicles By 2030

China’s industry ministry unveiled a roadmap last week to strengthen its smart electric vehicle industry, targeting large-scale deployment of autonomous-driving vehicles by 2030 and greater global influence for its auto sector.

Key targets and policy measures include:

• Vehicles with self-driving capabilities will see large-scale deployment, the ministry said, adding that automated driving will be rolled out on highways, urban expressways and selected city roads.
• China plans to develop multiple automakers that rank among the world’s top 10 by sales.
• Increase the global appeal of Chinese auto brands and strengthen China’s voice in international automotive standards.
• The ministry plans to reinforce the auto sector’s role as an economic pillar, with autonomous-driving vehicles achieving higher safety levels than human drivers.
• China will tighten rules on vehicle production, road safety, self-driving and software upgrades, while exploring special approval pathways for key components and low-volume vehicles.
• Increase oversight of vehicle and battery production capacity, curb overinvestment, encourage industry consolidation and eliminate inefficient capacity.
• Strengthen antitrust enforcement, improve product-quality supervision and promote fair competition, while curbing inappropriate incentives from local governments.
• Introduce guidelines to help automakers comply with rules when expanding overseas.
• The industry ministry also plans to encourage deeper cooperation between Chinese and foreign companies in vehicle and key-component research, investment and global market expansion.

(Reporting by Li and Lee; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)