Stellantis(US:STLA) Zhong Guo Qi Che Bao Wang·2025-09-01 02:41Core Viewpoint - Stellantis has decided to suspend the development of its STLA AutoDrive 1.0 Level 3 autonomous driving system, despite the technology being ready for mass production, reflecting the challenges faced in the autonomous driving sector [3][4]. Group 1: Reasons for Suspension - The initial plan was to launch the STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system by 2025, allowing conditional autonomous driving at speeds up to 60 km/h [4]. - High hardware costs, particularly for solid-state LiDAR and high-performance chips, are significant barriers, with sensor system costs accounting for approximately 7.5% of the total vehicle cost [5]. - Supply chain fluctuations and raw material price volatility have exacerbated the financial strain on Stellantis, making it difficult to achieve commercial viability [5]. - Software development for the STLA AutoDrive system has required over €1 billion in investment over three years, yet performance issues, such as a 65% recognition rate in extreme weather, have hindered progress [6]. Group 2: Technical and Market Challenges - The complexity of the autonomous driving technology, including perception and decision-making algorithms, presents significant challenges [6]. - User trust in Level 3 systems is low, with only 23% activation on urban roads compared to 78% on highways, indicating a need for improved reliability [7]. - Consumer willingness to pay for Level 3 features is limited, with only 12% willing to spend over ¥20,000, suggesting a lack of perceived necessity for such technology [7]. Group 3: Regulatory and Industry Context - Regulatory hurdles remain a major obstacle, with most countries not permitting Level 3 vehicles on public roads, and differing regulations complicating the situation [8]. - The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation from "full-stack self-research" to "ecosystem collaboration," as companies recognize the need for partnerships to remain competitive [10]. - Cost reduction and technology simplification are essential for the widespread adoption of autonomous driving, with multi-sensor fusion being a key area for cost optimization [11]. Group 4: Strategic Recommendations - A complete ecosystem that includes regulatory support, cost reduction, and widespread application is necessary for the advancement of autonomous driving technology [12].