ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Automobiles

China's self-driving car push hits legal and cost roadblocks

WeRide and Pony.ai turn to selling systems for short-term profits

Companies like Pony.ai are struggling to make self-driving taxis profitable. (Photo by Takashi Kawakami)

GUANGZHOU/TOKYO -- China's efforts to get more nearly autonomous vehicles on its roads have become bogged down by growing uncertainty over the technology's near-term profit potential in a challenging environment.

The country has made significant strides in recent years under a national strategy that prioritizes autonomous-driving technology. A road map released in November 2020 calls for 20% of all new vehicles sold to have Level 4 capabilities -- letting them operate without a driver under certain conditions -- by 2030.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more