Automakers Embrace Smart Driving Features for All

In a significant development in the automotive industry, smart driving features are becoming a focal point for competition among Chinese car manufacturers. As the demand for advanced driving systems rises, companies are aiming to include these features as standard options in mass-market vehicles.

Traditionally, buyers had to spend extra to enjoy benefits like autonomous parking and highway driving. However, BYD, China's leading electric vehicle maker, has taken a bold step by making its Advanced Driving-Assistance System (ADAS) available across its entire vehicle lineup. This system includes capabilities such as automatic parking and self-driving on expressways.

The entry price for one of BYD's models equipped with ADAS is the Seagull, which costs 69,800 yuan (approximately $9,640). This is a notable difference, as other models offering similar functionality in China start from around 150,000 yuan according to McKinsey consulting.

BYD's initiative aims to enhance safety for everyday car owners, as statistics indicate that 21 percent of traffic accidents in China are linked to driver fatigue. Features like automatic emergency braking and steering could potentially mitigate these risks.

Wang Chuanfu, the chairman and president of BYD, emphasized that intelligent driving should be a standard feature rather than a luxury. "By making high-level smart driving available across our range, we are accelerating the transition toward smarter, safer mobility," he remarked.

In a related move, State-owned Changan, collaborating with Ford and Mazda, introduced its smart driving strategy in February. The chairman announced plans to implement LiDAR technology in vehicles priced around 100,000 yuan.

Following suit, Geely has recently launched its G-Pilot smart driving system, which will be accessible on several of its car brands, including Geely Auto, Galaxy, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr.

Experts believe that the decisions made by these significant automakers, particularly BYD, will compel competitors to adopt similar strategies, possibly leading to a broader acceptance of smart driving systems in the automotive market.

This shift will create pressure on both domestic startups and international companies operating in China to ramp up their own ADAS technologies. Historically, advanced features like lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control have been the realm of premium car brands.

Companies like Tesla and Xpeng have incorporated high-level ADAS into their offerings, often charging substantial fees for features like Tesla's Full Self-Driving package.

As Zhang Yongwei, secretary-general of the China EV 100 think tank, pointed out, "The competitive advantage in the car industry is shifting rapidly toward AI-driven intelligence. Future development must be based on this new competitive landscape."

However, opinions among automotive leaders vary regarding the trend of providing smart driving features in affordable cars. Yu Chengdong, head of Huawei's smart driving solutions, questioned the reliability of systems like those developed by BYD, suggesting there is a significant gap between a system that merely works and one that performs well.

In contrast, Xpeng's CEO, He Xiaopeng, praised the efforts of automakers like BYD, noting that they promote the acceptance of smart driving technology both in China and internationally as domestic vehicles gain popularity abroad.

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