Driverless Taxis Hit the Roads in Shanghai’s Pudong District

  • China allows driverless robotaxis without safety operators in Shanghai
  • Shanghai joins Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou in testing autonomous driving technology
  • Four companies approved to offer services through Jan. 4
  • Testing area covers 205 kilometers of roads in Pudong district

Shanghai has joined other major Chinese cities in allowing driverless robotaxis to operate without safety operators, as part of China’s efforts to lead the global autonomous driving industry. Residents can now book free rides from four companies: Baidu, SAIC Motor-owned Saike Technology, and startups Pony.ai and Auto X. The testing area covers 205 kilometers of roads in Shanghai’s Pudong district. This follows similar initiatives in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, which have also started charging fees for robotaxis in some cases. China aims to compete with US companies like Tesla and Alphabet-backed Waymo.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the expansion of driverless robotaxis in China, citing specific cities and companies involved, as well as expert opinions on the significance of this development. It also includes relevant background information on the global competition in autonomous driving technology.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the expansion of driverless robotaxis in China and mentions some key players in the industry. It also includes quotes from experts for context. However, it could benefit from more detailed analysis or discussion on the implications of this development and comparisons with other countries’ progress in autonomous driving technology.
Public Companies: Baidu (BIDU), SAIC Motor (600104)
Private Companies: Pony.ai,Auto X
Key People: Angus Chan (auto analyst at Bocom International), Qu Ke (analyst at CCB International)

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Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Chinese autonomous driving companies
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the expansion of driverless robotaxis in major Chinese cities, including Shanghai, and mentions the impact on companies such as Baidu, SAIC Motor, Pony.ai, and Auto X. This has implications for the autonomous driving industry and could potentially affect their financial performance and market value.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The content discusses China’s efforts to commercialize autonomous driving technology and its competition with U.S. companies like Tesla and Waymo.

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com