With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.
2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix kicks off in Shanghai
The 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix officially begins at the Shanghai International Circuit from March 13 to 15. The schedule includes the Sprint Race and qualifying sessions on the first two days, with the main race set for the afternoon of March 15. This year's F1 season brings significant changes, including major rule and technical updates. In a notable expansion, 11 teams and 22 drivers will compete in the championship, marking a new chapter in the series.
Hesai's FTX radar secures next-generation contract with Changan
On March 12, Hesai Technology announced that its second-generation solid-state blind-spot radar, FTX, has been selected for the next-generation intelligent L3 platform of Changan Automobile. This marks a significant step in advancing high-level autonomous driving systems for mass-market vehicles.
Both companies will work together to bring L3 autonomous driving features to production cars, with the FTX slated for large-scale manufacturing and delivery starting in 2026. This move aims to drive China's automotive industry toward large-scale commercialization of L3-level autonomous driving, transitioning from premium options to standard features for everyday consumers.
Pony.ai's robotaxi service expands with Tencent partnership
Pony.ai revealed on March 13 that its Robotaxi service has been integrated into the "Tencent Mobility Service" mini-program, with Guangzhou becoming the first city to offer the service. Local users can now request autonomous vehicles through this new channel, with plans for further expansion via Tencent Maps. This partnership marks a milestone in the commercialization of L4 autonomous driving, following the strategic cooperation agreement signed between the two companies in April 2025. This collaboration is set to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in China's urban mobility landscape.
