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In a spirited discussion earlier this month at the Dajunshan Smart Car Technology Conference, Zhang Yongwei, the deputy chairman and secretary-general of the China Electric Vehicle Hundred Person Association, raised a critical warning about the fast-evolving automotive sector, specifically focusing on the necessity of a domestically developed operating system for vehicles. He expressed concerns that the automotive industry might repeat the mistakes of the smartphone sector, where China missed significant opportunities to develop and implement native operating systems. This oversight led to a dependence on foreign technology, which can be detrimental to national security and economic independence.
Zhang emphasized that the role of an automotive operating system transcends mere information management; it is pivotal in regulating a vehicle’s behavior and performance. The implications of this technology are profound, potentially impacting safety, user experience, and integration into the ever-burgeoning internet of things (IoT). Alarmingly, he noted that the penetration rate of self-developed operational systems in vehicles is still below 10%, signaling an urgent need for strategic investments and policy support to encourage the rapid adoption of local technologies.
Indeed, the landscape of automotive smart technologies is shifting at an astonishing pace, outstripping the adoption rate of electric vehicles. While electric vehicle penetration in the domestic market remains under 50%, systems vital for intelligent driving have surged past the 50% mark within just a few years. This rapid advancement is evident in both traditional fuel vehicles and their electric counterparts, which now frequently include Level 2 assisted driving functionalities, providing drivers with enhanced support and safety features.
Recent research by Continental AG underscores the significant public interest in automated driving technologies. The survey revealed that a staggering 90% of Chinese respondents view autonomous driving as a beneficial advancement, with 82% expecting it to become an integral part of daily life within the next five years. Furthermore, there is a growing expectation for automotive artificial intelligence (AI), with 89% considering in-car AI voice assistance crucial. Interestingly, 73% of respondents believe that cars will evolve beyond transport, emerging as spaces for leisure and work, thereby transforming the way individuals interact with their vehicles.
This shift in consumer attitudes indicates a remarkable evolution in purchasing motivations, where the focus has moved from simply having smart features to the quality and efficacy of those features. In this context, the strategy of merely transferring successful smartphone applications to automobiles no longer stands as a viable competitive advantage. The intersection of AI technology and smart vehicle innovation must be prioritized to stay relevant in an increasingly tech-savvy market.
Zhang reiterated that for significant advancements in smart transformation to take place, it is paramount to consider infrastructure beyond the automotive sphere. He argued that without a robust ecosystem encompassing smart infrastructures like traffic management and smart city technologies, any efforts in automotive intelligence could easily lack the foundational support needed to thrive. Conversely, a locality that invests in such infrastructures stands to attract industrial talent and resources, fostering an environment ripe for innovation.
As cars transition into more intelligent machines, their dependency on semiconductor technology will only deepen. During the initial phase of electric vehicle growth, most of the economic value was generated in the battery segment. Now, as we enter the smart vehicle era, chips will become as essential to automotive design as batteries once were, reinforcing the need for robust and reliable chip supply chains.
Zhang cautioned against the risks of relying heavily on advanced chips from foreign manufacturers, proposing a more balanced approach where car companies reduce their dependency on cutting-edge chips. Exploring new architectures while utilizing mature process technologies could alleviate some of the challenges associated with chip shortages and supply chain vulnerabilities. Furthermore, he advocates for bolstering efforts toward the localization of imported chips and increasing the local production capabilities, especially for mature chips, which are pivotal for automotive applications. This would not only stabilize supply chains but would also empower domestic companies to enhance their capabilities in the semiconductor field.
Moreover, the evolution of smart vehicles should catalyze synergies across various industries, including low-altitude aerial technologies and humanoid robotics. Developing an integrated smart industrial chain could provoke unexpected benefits and innovation spillovers, enriching the technological ecosystem as a whole.
Zhang concluded with a strong call for collaboration among automotive enterprises, emphasizing that no single entity could achieve success in the realm of smart cars in isolation. He argued for an open and cooperative approach, suggesting that companies focus their efforts on building a more inclusive ecosystem. The ability to lead in innovation and expedite the development of new technologies will favor those who embrace collaboration. As he aptly put it, “In an open system, ‘1+1 can equal more than 2,’ illustrating the dramatic potential for synergy in shared endeavors.” Thus, he urged all stakeholders, from automotive manufacturers to supply chain partners, to unite under a common goal, enabling accelerated progress towards intelligent automotive innovations.
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