Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of Li Auto's autonomous driving technology, particularly focusing on the development and implementation of the VLA (Vision-Language-Action) model, which aims to enhance the driving experience by enabling the system to think like a human rather than merely mimicking driving behavior [2][3][4]. Development of Li Auto's Autonomous Driving Team - The autonomous driving team at Li Auto was established in 2018 and has undergone three generations of key personnel changes, reflecting the challenges and growth within the organization [4][7][46]. - The team initially lacked resources and had to adapt by retrofitting existing vehicles with laser radar for technology research [3][4]. Shift to VLA Model - Li Auto transitioned to the VLA model to differentiate itself from competitors like Huawei and Tesla, emphasizing the need for next-generation technology rather than merely following existing paths [3][4][17]. - The VLA model utilizes multi-modal AI to improve the driving experience, aiming for a more human-like decision-making process [3][4][21]. Internal and External Challenges - The development of VLA has faced internal team restructuring and external skepticism, with industry leaders questioning its feasibility and effectiveness [3][4][21][22]. - Despite criticism, the company believes that the challenges posed by competitors validate the direction of the VLA model [4][21]. Organizational Changes - In September 2023, Li Auto restructured its autonomous driving department into 11 sub-departments to promote a more efficient and AI-focused organization [6][7]. - The new structure aims to enhance communication and decision-making efficiency, moving away from a centralized development model [8][9]. Future Goals and Expectations - Li Auto aims to achieve L4 level autonomous driving by 2027, with significant milestones set for 2021 and 2023 [37][39]. - The company anticipates that the VLA model will enable self-iteration and improvement, potentially surpassing competitors in the Chinese market [39][40]. Technical Considerations - The VLA model is designed to operate on existing autonomous driving chips, although these chips were not originally optimized for large models [33][34]. - Li Auto is investing in cloud computing capabilities, with a current training capacity of 10 EFLOPS and plans for further expansion [32][33]. Market Positioning - The company is focused on establishing a strong market presence in China before expanding internationally, recognizing the unique challenges of commercializing autonomous driving technology [41][42].