China Grants VW and Xpeng Permits for Autonomous Driving Tests

China has granted new autonomous-driving permits to electric vehicle maker Xpeng and Volkswagen's joint venture, intensifying the race to commercialize self-driving technology. Xpeng can now operate Level 4 robotaxis in Guangzhou, while VW has received a Level 3 road-test license in Hefei. Source: South China Morning PostSource: The Next Web

The Permits

Xpeng's robotaxi service, Xpeng Yoyo, has been approved for Level 4 demonstration operations citywide in Guangzhou, allowing it to carry paying passengers. Source: South China Morning Post Riders will initially gain access through invitation codes, with coverage expanding gradually. Source: The Next Web Volkswagen Group China announced on Weibo that it has begun Level 3 road tests in Hefei, aiming for technology readiness by 2027. Source: The Next Web

Industry Context

The approvals signal a thaw after China suspended new robotaxi licenses in April following a Baidu robotaxi incident in Wuhan. Source: The Next Web A safety review was launched, and approvals resumed in July. Source: The Next Web Xpeng aims to carry passengers without safety drivers by 2027 and is in talks with European ride-hailing platforms. Source: The Next Web VW's China chief Ralf Brandstätter emphasized safety, stating, "We will never push technological progress at the expense of safety." Source: The Next Web