Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-12-19 00:36Core Viewpoint - The approval of L3-level conditional autonomous driving vehicles in China marks a significant milestone in the transition from L2-level assistance to true automation, fundamentally altering the responsibility chain in driving and opening new market opportunities for the automotive industry [4][10][19]. Group 1: Market Response and Impact - Following the announcement of L3-level vehicle approvals, the stock market reacted positively, with several companies in the intelligent driving sector experiencing significant stock price increases, indicating strong investor interest [6][19]. - The approval of L3 vehicles is expected to lead to a competitive landscape where companies that can leverage L3 technology will gain a strategic advantage in the automotive market [10][19]. Group 2: Technical Specifications and Regulations - The first two approved L3 vehicles, the Changan Deep Blue SL03 and the BAIC Arcfox Alpha S6, will operate in designated areas with maximum speeds of 50 km/h and 80 km/h respectively, highlighting the initial application of L3 technology in specific scenarios [8][10]. - The L3 technology represents a shift in responsibility from the driver to the system under certain conditions, which is a fundamental change from L2 systems where the driver retains full responsibility [7][10]. Group 3: Future Projections and Industry Trends - Industry experts predict that by 2026, the penetration rate of L3 and above autonomous vehicles could reach 10%, with L2-level vehicles expected to achieve a 70% market penetration [10][27]. - The development of L3 technology is anticipated to create a new market worth trillions, as the industry shifts from selling vehicles to selling mileage, particularly in specific applications like airport shuttles and logistics [26][27]. Group 4: Challenges and Considerations - Despite the advancements, the rollout of L3 vehicles will face challenges, including the need for high-precision infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and operational efficiency [31][32]. - The approval process for L3 vehicles has been gradual, involving extensive testing and regulatory compliance, which underscores the importance of a robust safety and operational framework for the future of autonomous driving [19][28].