4. Beijing roads open to autonomous tests

Volkswagen became the first international brand to have three passenger car joint ventures in China when the German automaker signed a deal with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co in June. The 50-50 partnership, which is dedicated to developing and producing electric cars, will see a total investment of 6 billion yuan ($882 million). Its first model, which will be produced at existing JAC facilities, is expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018. That would give VW a head start to become the first localized electric car producer in the country, ahead of its rivals such as General Motors.

3. Report: The future is clean and clever

China is set to build a globally competitive automotive industry within 10 years, with new energy vehicles and smart, internetconnected cars taking the lead worldwide, according to an industry guideline released in April. Among other goals, the guideline expects sales of electric, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars in the nation to reach 2 million by 2020, and such cars are to account for 20 percent of all auto sales by 2025. Half of new cars in China will feature some driving assistance and low-level autonomous driving functions by 2020, and the number is expected to rise to 80 percent in 2025.

Local authorities in Beijing released China’s first guideline on road tests of autonomous motor vehicles in December, signaling the country’s determination to accelerate the development of the technology. The guideline, compiled by the city’s transport commission, public security bureau, and economy and information technology commission, applies to independent entities registered in China. They can apply to test at most five vehicles at a time, but before conducting road tests they must first complete tests in designated closed zones, according to the guideline. Many Chinese companies, both carmakers and IT giants, are already working hard on the research and development of autonomous driving technology.