China strengthens smart car safety standards as AI drives new phase of auto exports

China's intelligent connected vehicle industry is entering a new phase of regulatory refinement and global standard-setting, as government accelerates mandatory safety rules and prepares to host the 2026 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in October.

Guo Shougang, head of the equipment industry division 1 of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said on Monday that the recent rollout and implementation of a series of policies, regulations and standards — including the UN Global Technical Regulation on Automated Driving Systems (ADS GTR) and combined driving assistance system standards — mark a new stage for China's intelligent connected vehicle development, characterized by more robust regulations, comprehensive standards, and deeper international cooperation.

The country's Level-2 assisted driving penetration rate has exceeded 70 percent among new passenger vehicles this year, while urban navigation-assisted driving (NOA) functionality now exceeds 20 percent, according to the ministry.

Speaking at a media roundtable in Beijing, Guo highlighted that China has built a comprehensive safety standards framework covering the entire lifecycle — from R&D and design to testing, manufacturing, and operation monitoring — addressing product performance safety, cybersecurity, data security, functional safety, and the safety of intended functionality. The newly issued mandatory standards for combined driving assistance and automated driving systems will further guide manufacturers to enhance technology and safety levels.

Looking ahead, Guo stated that the MIIT will accelerate the formulation and release of the 15th Five-Year Plan for the intelligent connected new energy vehicle industry, expedite the development and international coordination of key standards, and deepen pilot programs for "vehicle-road-cloud integration" application, production access, and road operation trials, with the goal of establishing an ecosystem spanning the entire industrial chain.

The 2026 World Intelligent Connected Vehicle Conference, jointly hosted by MIIT, the Ministry of Transport and the Beijing municipal government, will take place from Oct 21 to 23 in Yizhuang, Beijing. The event will feature three plenary sessions, three special events, six thematic forums and multiple side meetings, showcasing the latest industrial achievements.

Qu Guochun, director of MIIT's Equipment Industry Development Center, said artificial intelligence has become the core driver of competition in intelligent connected vehicles, shifting China's automotive exports from cost and manufacturing advantages toward technological innovation and intelligent capabilities.