Core Insights - The industry is approaching a critical point for the large-scale application of L2+ level intelligent driving, with expectations for the initial implementation of L3 and L4 functionalities next year [1][12] Group 1: Current State of Intelligent Driving - Experts believe that intelligent driving technology is transitioning from "human-machine co-driving" to conditional automation, marking a key stage in its evolution [1] - The rapid advancement of autonomous driving this year is largely attributed to developments in artificial intelligence technology, positioning smart vehicles as a reliable application scenario for AI [3] - The current challenges include safety regulations, user education, and the lack of standards, which are seen as core obstacles to the widespread and sustainable development of intelligent driving [4] Group 2: Levels of Automation - The automotive industry categorizes automation into levels L1 to L5, with L3 being the most controversial. L2+ is derived from L2 and is characterized by features like NOA (Navigate on Autopilot), which is fundamentally different from traditional L2 [5][6] - L2+ is currently at a critical point of potential explosion in market share, with L3 expected to enhance user experience continuity [8][12] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Consumer Perception - The market share of L2 level auxiliary functions may exceed 60%, but they are perceived as lacking in continuous functionality compared to L2+, which fosters a sense of dependency among users [8] - The pricing of intelligent driving systems is a concern, as consumers feel the current offerings do not provide sufficient value, leading to a disconnect between perceived value and price [7][10] Group 4: Future Outlook - L3 and L4 level autonomous driving functionalities are anticipated to be implemented next year, with Europe already making strides in L3 certification [12] - The transition from L2+ to L3 is expected to be a gradual process, with a focus on safety and the ability of the system to accurately assess driving conditions [12][13] - The establishment of safety standards for intelligent driving systems is still in progress, with expectations that consumers may not be able to rely on national standards for safe intelligent driving vehicles until 2027 or later [13]

Core Insights - The Chinese automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards intelligence, with smart driving becoming the main engine for industry upgrades, shifting focus from mere existence to performance and efficiency [2][3] - The smart driving sector is experiencing rapid advancements, particularly in application innovation, marking a turning point for mid-to-high level autonomous driving [8][9] Industry Trends - The future of the smart driving industry is promising, but challenges remain, with only 3 to 4 major technology providers expected to survive in the long run [3][19] - The concept of "smart driving equality" proposed by companies like BYD is seen as a necessary trend that will drive technological development and reduce costs in the smart driving sector [9] Company Insights - Horizon Robotics, under the leadership of President Chen Liming, plays a crucial role in the smart driving industry, focusing on providing intelligent driving solutions [2][4] - The company emphasizes a "soft and hard synergy" approach, recognizing that deep integration of software and hardware is essential for achieving high performance and cost-effectiveness in smart driving technologies [14][15] Technological Development - The industry is currently in a rapid iteration phase, with ongoing innovations in algorithms and increasing demands for computing power, as evidenced by Horizon's flagship chip, which has significantly improved performance metrics [11][12] - The need for efficient engineering capabilities to translate technology into cost-effective products is highlighted as a critical challenge for the industry [14] Future Outlook - The ultimate goal for the smart driving industry is the realization of L4 and L5 level autonomous driving, which would transform vehicles into mere transportation tools, enhancing productivity and leisure during commutes [17][18] - The competitive landscape will likely see a division of labor where most automotive companies will rely on capable suppliers, rather than pursuing full-stack self-development [18][19]