Core Insights - The CEO of Li Auto, Li Xiang, believes that the smart driving industry is at a critical juncture, comparing the current state to "darkness before dawn," suggesting that significant advancements are imminent despite current challenges [2][3] Industry Developments - Li Auto has transitioned from traditional algorithms to end-to-end models and is now entering the Visual Language Action (VLA) model phase, indicating a technological evolution in smart driving [2] - The company aims to address industry challenges, such as high battery costs and slow charging times, by developing solutions like range-extended products and advanced battery technology [3] Market Trends - Recent shifts in terminology from "smart driving" to "assisted driving" by companies like Xiaomi and Aito have sparked discussions in the industry, reflecting a broader trend towards more cautious language regarding autonomous driving capabilities [3][6] - Xiaomi has updated its marketing materials to replace "Xiaomi Smart Driving" with "Xiaomi Assisted Driving," indicating a strategic rebranding effort [3] - Aito has also adopted the term "smart assisted driving" in its communications, showing a similar trend in the industry [6]