China has granted approval to a first group of nine automakers to carry out tests on vehicles with 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 will be carried out by automakers including BYD and Nio,
Fleet operators such as ride-hailing companies will also be involved in the tests.
In the plan, drivers in the test vehicles are allowed to take their hands off the steering wheels, with automakers and fleet operators taking responsibility for safety.
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.
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@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Would the idea of roads filled with self-driving cars make you feel more safe or more concerned about your safety?
@9NKFWL22yrs2Y
Very safe. China is miles ahead of the UK with autonomous vehicles and it's incredible what they're able to do. The UK is falling far behind.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
How much trust would you place in technology to make critical decisions during driving, compared to a human driver?
@9NKFWL22yrs2Y
Plenty, having ridden on autonomous mini buses in Asia. They are excellent at interpreting all sorts of data to move safely.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
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