China has banned public beta tests of autonomous driving cars
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has imposed restrictions on advertising and use of driver assistance technology following a fatal accident involving the Xiaomi SU7.
Here's What We Know
Automobile manufacturers are now required to indicate the level of system automation according to the SAE classification - from 0 to 5. Level 0 means complete lack of automation, while level 5 corresponds to a fully autonomous car. Currently, almost all systems on the market correspond only to the second level (Level 2), including Tesla Full Self-Driving.
The SAE classification itself was designed to eliminate confusion, but most consumers are unaware of it, and automakers rarely list the SAE level in marketing materials.
In addition to the advertising restrictions, MIIT has also banned the use of remote car calling features that allow a car to travel without a driver. It is also no longer allowed to disable driver monitoring systems, and there is a new requirement that if the driver's hands are not detected on the steering wheel within 60 seconds, the car must slow down, stop or activate an emergency alarm.
Another important innovation is a ban on public testing of new ADAS (Advanced driver-assistance systems) features by so-called "first users" through software updates. In addition, the authorities recommend carmakers to reduce the frequency of OTA updates.
The new measures come just weeks after a high-profile road accident in China that killed three people. The driver reportedly lost control of the Xiaomi SU7 electric car seconds after switching off the semi-automatic driving mode.
These rules will particularly affect brands actively developing and promoting autonomous driving technology, including Huawei, Xpeng, Li Auto and Nio. At the same time, more restrained manufacturers may gain a competitive advantage amid tighter regulation.
Source: ChinaAutoNews
