Wenyi Zhang
Research expert covering Greater China
Autonomous vehicles in China - statistics & facts
Driverless technologies are widely regarded as a key trend in China's automotive industry. Despite facing certain challenges, including regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and privacy issues, China's autonomous vehicle sector continues to receive significant investment and generous government initiatives similar to those enjoyed by the country’s successful electric vehicle (EV) industry. With the sector in the midst of rapid growth, consumers are generally positive about using autonomous vehicles. For example, most passengers in China are open to riding in robotaxis.
In the value chain of China's autonomous vehicle industry, vehicle software and OEMs are often the main focus. Many segments of the component market are still dominated by Japanese, Korean, and Western suppliers. However, Chinese companies are increasingly involved in the production of components ranging from millimeter-wave radars to V2X chipsets as they seek to expand their influence and achieve domestic substitution.
A highly complex sector
The safe operation of an autonomous vehicle depends on the reliable functioning of a highly complex system. An autonomous vehicle must first collect accurate real-time data from its surroundings, before deriving the appropriate path and taking necessary actions. This complexity has led to the emergence of an autonomous vehicle industry that involves manufacturers of high-tech components such as optics, sensors, and navigation systems, as well as software companies and vehicle OEMs.In the value chain of China's autonomous vehicle industry, vehicle software and OEMs are often the main focus. Many segments of the component market are still dominated by Japanese, Korean, and Western suppliers. However, Chinese companies are increasingly involved in the production of components ranging from millimeter-wave radars to V2X chipsets as they seek to expand their influence and achieve domestic substitution.
