Shanghai ramps up autonomous driving efforts

The authorities in Shanghai issued the country's first permits on Monday to conduct operational tests of smart and connected vehicles, marking the latest step in China's efforts to speed up commercialization of autonomous driving.

The permits were issued to Shanghai-based SAIC Motor Group, German premium carmaker BMW AG and China's car-hailing giant Didi Chuxing at the 2019 World Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystem Conference.

The permit holders are each allowed to have a fleet of up to 50 vehicles to conduct operational tests in the city, exploring how to commercialize the latest technology.