Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-12-19 00:50Core Viewpoint - The approval of the first L3-level conditional autonomous driving models in China marks a significant milestone in the transition from "assisted driving" to "autonomous driving," fundamentally altering the responsibility chain in driving and paving the way for commercial applications in specific scenarios [2][5][9]. Group 1: Market Response - Following the announcement of L3-level model approvals, the capital market reacted swiftly, with several stocks in the intelligent driving sector experiencing significant gains, indicating strong investor interest [4]. - The approval is seen as a leap towards mass production and application of intelligent connected vehicles, reflecting a balance between regulatory oversight and technological advancement [4][17]. Group 2: Technical and Regulatory Developments - The L3-level models approved include Changan's "Deep Blue SL03" and BAIC's "Arcfox Alpha S6 (L3 version)," which will operate in designated areas in Chongqing and Beijing, respectively, under specific speed limits [6][8]. - The transition to L3-level driving involves a shift in responsibility from the driver to the system under certain conditions, a significant change from L2-level systems where the driver retains full responsibility [5][10]. Group 3: Future Projections - Industry experts predict that by 2026, the penetration rate of L3 and above autonomous vehicles could reach 10%, with L3-level vehicles expected to be commercially viable in specific applications such as airport shuttles and campus commuting [5][25]. - The market for Robotaxi services is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting a market size exceeding 2.93 trillion yuan by 2030, driven by advancements in autonomous driving technology [12][24]. Group 4: Technological Innovations - The cost of key components for autonomous driving, such as lidar and AI chips, is decreasing, which is expected to stimulate the entire supply chain and create new business models in the automotive industry [21][24]. - The integration of advanced sensor technologies and AI models is crucial for the development of reliable L3-level autonomous driving systems, with a focus on multi-sensor fusion to handle complex driving environments [26][30]. Group 5: Regulatory Framework - The approval process for L3-level vehicles has been gradual, involving multiple stages of regulatory development and safety assessments, indicating a structured approach to integrating autonomous vehicles into the market [13][15]. - Local regulations, such as those in Beijing and Wuhan, are being established to support the commercialization of L3-level autonomous vehicles, providing a framework for future developments [16][30].