Core Viewpoint - The approval of L3-level autonomous driving vehicles by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) marks a significant step towards the commercialization of L3 autonomous driving in China, which is expected to accelerate the adoption of smart chassis technologies [1][2][3]. Group 1: Event Summary - The MIIT has granted conditional approval for Changan Automobile and BAIC BluePark Magna Automotive to produce L3-level autonomous vehicles, following the submission of their applications [2]. - The approval is part of the 401st batch of announcements by the MIIT, indicating a regulatory framework supporting the introduction of L3 autonomous driving products in the market [2][3]. Group 2: L3 Commercialization Impact - L3 autonomous driving allows for conditional self-driving capabilities, where the system controls vehicle movement and responds to environmental stimuli within a limited operational range, requiring driver intervention outside this range [3]. - The vehicles approved include Changan's Deep Blue model and BAIC's Arcfox Alpha S (L3 version), which features a high-performance sensor system with 34 sensors, including three LiDARs, ensuring comprehensive safety and redundancy [4]. Group 3: Smart Chassis Development - The commercialization of L3 driving is expected to drive the mass application of smart chassis technologies, including active suspension, electronic brake-by-wire (EMB), and steer-by-wire (SBW) systems [4][5]. - Active suspension systems will integrate air springs and variable damping to enhance vehicle handling and comfort, while EMB represents the future direction of braking systems, supported by mandatory national standards set to take effect in 2026 [4][5]. Group 4: Investment Strategy - The approval of L3 vehicles provides policy support for the widespread adoption of advanced autonomous driving technologies, benefiting companies that are actively investing in this sector [6]. - Key investment opportunities include automakers collaborating with Huawei, such as Seres, JAC Motors, BAIC BluePark, SAIC Group, and Changan, as well as companies in the smart chassis supply chain like Baolong Technology and Top Group [6].
东兴证券:汽车行业L3商用加速落地 有望推动智能底盘批量应用