Asia Tech Wire (Apr 25) -- Chinese state-owned automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC Group) will realize mass production of its L3 self-driving technology next year, an executive said.

Feng Xingya, general manager of GAC Group, revealed on Thursday at the Beijing Auto Show 2024 that its L2++ urban Navigated Driving Assist (NDA) system has already featured in the Hyper models launched by its electric car subsidiary GAC Aion, which will achieve China-wide coverage within this year.

Feng said GAC Group will mass-produce its L3 self-driving technology next year, and L3+ self-driving with a wider range of usage scenarios in 2026.

And the company will launch user-oriented L4 autonomous driving in 2027.

In addition, a joint venture between GAC Group and Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi will also launch its first commercialized L4 self-driving vehicle next year, enabling Robotaxi demonstration operations without safety officers.

GAC Group and Didi set up a 50:50 joint venture, Guangzhou Andi Technology Co., Ltd, at the end of March, with a registered capital of 420 million yuan.