Core Insights - The news highlights a significant breakthrough in the commercialization of L3-level autonomous driving in China, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially granting the first conditional licenses for L3 autonomous vehicles [1][3]. Group 1: Market Activity - Several companies in the autonomous driving sector saw their stock prices surge, with Hanxin Technology reaching a 30% limit up, and other companies like Wanjie Technology and Zhejiang Shibao also hitting their daily limits [1]. - The market enthusiasm is driven by the recent regulatory approval for L3-level autonomous vehicles, indicating a shift from testing to commercial application [1]. Group 2: Regulatory Developments - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved two models for L3-level autonomous driving, which will operate in designated areas of Beijing and Chongqing, marking a critical step towards commercial deployment [1][3]. - The L3-level autonomous driving classification allows vehicles to take over driving tasks under specific conditions, although drivers must remain alert and ready to take control [1][2]. Group 3: Industry Competition - Major automotive companies are competing to establish timelines for mass production of L3 vehicles, with many setting 2025-2026 as a crucial period for development [3][4]. - Companies like GAC Group and Huawei are actively testing their L3 technologies in major cities, preparing for commercial launch [4]. Group 4: Policy and Infrastructure - The recent policy changes have facilitated the expansion of testing areas for autonomous vehicles, with cities like Shanghai and Beijing designating extensive road networks for trials [3]. - The ethical guidelines released by the Ministry of Science and Technology further clarify responsibility in case of accidents, which is essential for the industry's growth [3]. Group 5: Investment Opportunities - The news lists several companies involved in the autonomous driving sector, providing insights into their market capitalization and stock performance, indicating potential investment opportunities [6].

Core Insights - The article highlights a significant breakthrough in the commercialization of L3-level autonomous driving in China, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially granting the first batch of conditional licenses for L3 vehicles, marking a transition from testing to commercial application [1][3]. Group 1: Market Activity - The autonomous driving concept stocks experienced a collective surge, with companies like Hanxin Technology and Wanjie Technology hitting the daily limit up, indicating strong market enthusiasm [1]. - The approval of L3-level vehicles is expected to catalyze further investment and interest in the sector, particularly as major automakers set 2025-2026 as critical timelines for mass production [3][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Developments - The L3-level autonomous driving vehicles are permitted to operate under specific conditions, allowing the vehicle system to take over driving tasks while requiring the driver to remain alert and ready to take control [2]. - The recent policy developments, including the "Automobile Industry Stabilization Growth Work Plan (2025-2026)," aim to clear regulatory hurdles for L3 vehicle production, facilitating urban pilot expansions in cities like Shanghai and Beijing [3]. Group 3: Industry Competition - Major automotive companies are actively competing to establish their L3 production timelines, with several brands, including GAC Group and Huawei, announcing their plans for L3-level technology testing and commercialization [3]. - The article notes that the formalization of L3-level regulations is anticipated to be a key catalyst for industry growth in 2026, making it essential for stakeholders to monitor developments closely [4]. Group 4: Investment Opportunities - A list of relevant stocks in the intelligent driving sector is provided, showcasing companies with varying market capitalizations and performance metrics, indicating potential investment opportunities [4].

Market Overview - The A-share market experienced a collective decline on December 16, with the Shanghai Composite Index falling to 3820.85 points, down 1.22%, the Shenzhen Component Index down 1.88%, and the ChiNext Index down 2.35% [2][3] - The total trading volume in the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets was 1.12 trillion yuan, a decrease of 606 billion yuan compared to the previous trading day [4] Sector Performance - The smart driving sector saw significant gains, with multiple stocks in the automotive sector rising sharply. Notable stocks included Wanji Technology, which recorded a 20% increase, and several others achieving the daily limit of 10% [15][16] - Consumer sectors, including restaurant tourism and commercial retail, continued to rise, with several stocks hitting the daily limit. For instance, Yonghui Supermarket and Baida Group both recorded a 10% increase [9][10] - Conversely, the large technology sector experienced a downturn, while precious metals, communication equipment, and chemical sectors led the declines [4][5] Notable Stocks - In the smart driving sector, several companies such as North Car Blue Valley and Changan Automobile saw increases of over 5% [18][19] - The hospitality sector also showed strength, with Junting Hotel rising nearly 7% and other hotel stocks following suit [11][12] Regulatory News - On December 15, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the approval of the first batch of L3-level autonomous driving vehicles for trial operations in designated areas of Beijing and Chongqing [20]

Core Viewpoint - The issuance of conditional permits for L3 autonomous driving vehicles marks a significant milestone, transitioning the technology from testing phases to formal product approval, benefiting the entire automotive and related industries [2][5][14]. Industry Impact - The approval of L3 autonomous driving not only affects the automotive sector but also positively impacts the chip and perception hardware supply chains, indicating a new watershed moment for the smart vehicle industry [3][14]. - The L3 autonomous driving vehicles from Changan and Arcfox are subject to strict operational conditions, including specific road types, urban areas, and speed limits, reflecting a cautious regulatory approach [5][6]. Policy Development - The path to L3 autonomous driving's "licensed operation" has been a gradual process over three years, beginning with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's (MIIT) 2022 notice on smart connected vehicle access management [8][9]. - The MIIT's recent guidelines emphasize the need for a joint application from automotive manufacturers and operational entities, ensuring safety monitoring and data management capabilities [8][9]. Corporate Strategies - Major automotive companies have accelerated their timelines for L3 autonomous driving, with Changan aiming for full-scene L3 by 2026 and GAC planning to launch its first L3 vehicle by late 2025 [10]. - Different companies are exploring various technological paths, with some focusing on sensor fusion and others on algorithmic advancements, highlighting the ongoing exploration in L3 technology [11]. Technical Requirements - L3 autonomous driving systems require advanced hardware capabilities, including multi-sensor integration and high-reliability computing systems, which are driving demand for specific components in the supply chain [13]. - Key players in the sensor and chip markets, such as OmniVision and Hesai Technology, are expected to see increased order stability as L3 technology scales [13]. Regulatory and Legal Considerations - The main challenges to L3 deployment are not technological but rather legal responsibilities and infrastructure readiness, necessitating adjustments in regulations and insurance frameworks [12]. - The cautious approach to L3 implementation aims to gather real-world operational data to inform future regulatory developments [12].

Core Insights - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the first batch of L3 conditional autonomous driving vehicle permits in China, granted to two models from Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. and BAIC BluePark Magna Automotive Co., Ltd. [1] - A consortium led by BAIC New Energy has entered the trial phase for intelligent connected vehicles, with plans to begin real-world testing for airport shuttle services on the Daxing Airport Expressway in the first quarter of next year [1] - Changan stated that during the trial phase, the autonomous driving feature will only be available on specific highways and expressways approved by local government to ensure safe and compliant operation [1] - Future expansions of usable roads and areas will be facilitated through over-the-air (OTA) updates as policies gradually open up [1]

12月15日，工业和信息化部公布，两款L3级自动驾驶车型产品获准入许可。两款车型将分别在重庆、 北京相关区域内开展上路通行试点。第一财经记者了解到，这两款车型分为长安汽车旗下深蓝SL03和 北汽旗下极狐阿尔法S。其中，深蓝SL03搭载的是长安自研的"天枢智能"辅助驾驶系统，阿尔法S搭载 的则是华为ADS智能驾驶系统。工信部表示，下一步，两款车型将由重庆及北京两家使用主体在上述区 域内开展上路通行试点。相关部门将加强车辆运行监测和安全保障，不断健全智能网联汽车准入管理和 标准法规体系，推动我国智能网联新能源汽车产业高质量发展。中国汽车工业协会常务副会长兼秘书长 付炳锋表示，我国自动驾驶汽车产业正从"技术验证"加速迈向"量产应用"的新阶段。这不仅体现了技术 的发展，更是国家统筹高质量发展与高水平安全，以包容审慎监管护航前沿技术安全落地、激发产业创 新活力的生动实践。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China has conditionally approved two automotive companies' applications for intelligent connected vehicles equipped with L3 level conditional autonomous driving functions [1][3]. Group 1: Approved Vehicles - The two approved models are the Changan SC7000AAARBEV electric sedan and the Arcfox BJ7001A61NBEV electric sedan [3]. - The Changan model can achieve autonomous driving in congested traffic environments on specific routes in Chongqing, including the inner ring expressway and the Yudu Avenue [3]. - The Arcfox model can perform autonomous driving on designated highways and urban expressways in Beijing, specifically on the Jing-Tai Expressway and the Daxing Airport Expressway [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Process - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with relevant departments, developed a work plan and guidelines for the approval process, ensuring compliance with regulations [3]. - The two automotive companies completed product testing and safety assessments as required by the ministry [3]. - Future steps include conducting road trials for the two models in the specified regions, with ongoing monitoring and safety assurance by the ministry and local authorities [3].

Group 1 - The automotive sector experienced a short-term surge, with notable stocks such as BAIC Blue Valley hitting the daily limit up [1] - Other companies in the sector, including GAC Group, Seres, Changan Automobile, Jiangling Motors, and Dongfeng Motor, also saw significant increases in their stock prices [1]

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the industry [2][11]. Core Insights - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved two L3 autonomous driving vehicle models, marking the official entry of China into the L3 era of autonomous driving. The next step involves pilot road tests in specific areas of Chongqing and Beijing [3][5]. - Recommended stocks include China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, Nexteer Automotive, XPeng Motors-W, and Changan Automobile, which are expected to benefit from early positioning in the L3 autonomous driving market [3][5]. - The L3 era is anticipated to create incremental business opportunities for the automotive testing industry and automotive hardware, with specific recommendations for China Automotive Engineering Research Institute and Nexteer Automotive [5]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Approval - The report highlights that the two approved models, one from Changan and the other from Arcfox, can operate under autonomous driving functions at speeds of up to 50 km/h and 80 km/h, respectively, in designated areas of Chongqing and Beijing [5][6]. Financial Projections - The report provides earnings per share (EPS) estimates for the recommended stocks, with China Automotive Engineering Research Institute projected at 1.01 CNY for 2025, Nexteer Automotive at 0.06 USD, XPeng Motors-W at -0.53 CNY, and Changan Automobile at 0.84 CNY [6]. Market Context - The report notes that the approval of L3 vehicles signifies a significant advancement in China's autonomous driving capabilities, which is expected to enhance the market landscape for related automotive companies [5].

Core Viewpoint - The approval of two L3-level autonomous driving models marks a significant step towards the commercialization of autonomous driving in China, transitioning from testing to practical application [4][6]. Market Performance - A-share indices opened lower, but the smart driving concept stocks surged, with Wanji Technology (300552) hitting a 20% limit up, and Zhejiang Shibao (002703) also reaching a limit up [1]. - Key stock performances include: - Wanji Technology: Current price 28.06, up 20.02%, YTD down 18.31% [2] - Haoen Automotive: Current price 140.68, up 11.32%, YTD up 156.29% [2] - Zhejiang Shibao: Current price 13.15, up 10.04%, YTD up 16.19% [2] - Yunyi Electric: Current price 11.61, up 9.53%, YTD up 46.65% [2] - Beiqi Blue Valley: Current price 7.95, up 6.14%, YTD down 0.62% [2] - Wanma Technology: Current price 42.13, up 6.15%, YTD up 22.26% [2] - Hong Kong smart driving concept stocks also showed strength, with Youjia Innovation and Hesai-W up around 3% [2]. L3 Autonomous Driving Approval - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the approval of two L3-level autonomous driving models, which will be tested in designated areas in Beijing and Chongqing [4][6]. - The two approved models are: - Changan Automobile's SC7000AAARBEV, capable of autonomous driving in congested traffic at speeds up to 50 km/h [6]. - Arcfox's BJ7001A61NBEV, capable of autonomous driving at speeds up to 80 km/h [6]. Future Developments - The L3-level autonomous driving system allows for full driving task execution under specific conditions, although users must remain ready to take control [7]. - The Ministry plans to enhance vehicle operation monitoring and safety assurance, aiming for high-quality development of the smart connected vehicle industry [8]. - The L3 formal approval is anticipated to be a key milestone post-2026, with significant opportunities in policy-driven market demand and technological upgrades [10][11]. - Companies like BYD, NIO, Changan, and GAC, which have obtained L3 road testing licenses, are expected to gain first-mover advantages [11].