SAIC Motor launches Robotaxi pilot operation in Shanghai

Beijing (Gasgoo)- Xiangdao Chuxing, SAIC Motor’s mobility arm that features L4 autonomous driving operations, has officially started a demonstration Robotaxi operation in Shanghai, the auto group announced today.

Photo credit: Xiangdao Chuxing

According to the announcement, Xiangdao Chuxing will deploy a Robotaxi fleet of 20 vehicles in Jiading District, Shanghai. The Robotaxis were developed based on the Marvel R intelligent electric SUVs from Feifan Auto (former R Auto).

The company is confident in its L4 level autonomous driving capabilities, namely its self-developed high computing power platform, “vision+radar” fully redundant sensor solution, intelligent steer-by-wire chassis products, whole-process data-driven algorithms, and its “cloud-tube-terminal” closed-loop automated toolchains.

Combining the said technologies and Xiangdao Chuxing’s rich experience in operating ride-hailing services, the company promises users a safe and smart mobility experience.

In addition, Xiangdao Chuxing intends to expand its Robotaxi project quickly and deploy 60 units of L4 autonomous driving featured vehicles in Shanghai and Suzhou by the end of this year.

According to SAIC Motor, the Xiangdao Robotaxi project is a critical strategic move in the group’s “electrical, intelligent connected, sharable, international” business layout. The auto giant plans to explore the combination of its advantages in the industrial chain, its autonomous driving technologies, and mobility operation experiences, trying to make autonomous driving a true part of daily urban life.

SAIC Motor believes the demonstration operation of the Robotaxi service will feed back the autonomous driving technology iteration for the entire company, furthering the premium and intelligent development of its IM Motors and Feifan Auto brands.