In the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market, China has emerged as the global leader, capturing a staggering 59% of EVs sold worldwide in 2022, with a total of 5.9 million units sold. To compete in this dynamic landscape, global automakers, including BMW and Volkswagen, are relying on cutting-edge technology, particularly driver-assist software, to gain a foothold in the world’s largest EV market.
According to research firm Canalys, China’s domestic brands are at the forefront of developing and implementing advanced assisted driving systems. Having secured early-entry advantages in the electric and intelligent vehicle sector, these domestic players have leveraged their strengths to establish a strong presence. Among the top contenders in the Chinese EV market are domestic brands such as BYD, Wuling, Chery, Changan, and GAC, which together command a remarkable 81% of the market.
BofA Securities predicts that China will continue to dominate the EV market in 2025, maintaining a market share of 40%-45%. The country’s automakers are rapidly accelerating vehicle platform upgrades, technology innovations, and user experience enhancements, making Chinese EV products highly competitive in the global arena.
Notably, the Middle East is witnessing a similar surge in digital health. The Middle East Digital Health Forum, scheduled for August 31 in Dubai, aims to explore the region’s potential in this digital revolution. The forum will delve into topics such as telemedicine, data analytics, AI in healthcare, and more, highlighting the vast opportunities and challenges that digital health presents.
To tap into the intensively competitive Chinese market, global automakers are now stepping up their game. BMW China recently announced its plans to accelerate the development of hands-free autonomous driving features, also known as Level 3 or L3 functions. The company aims to roll out these features by the end of 2023 or early 2024, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Volkswagen Group, on the other hand, is making substantial investments in the Chinese EV market. It is investing approximately $700 million in Chinese EV maker Xpeng and acquiring a 4.99% stake in the company. The collaboration will see the co-development of two new EVs that incorporate advanced driver-assist software for the Chinese market, set to be released in 2026.
Amidst the intense competition, Chinese EV brands are also actively promoting self-driving technology to attract buyers. BYD, in collaboration with Nvidia and Horizon Robotics, is focusing on the development of autonomous driving technology. Additionally, Japanese automaker Toyota is boosting its development of EV technology in a bid to gain a competitive edge in the Chinese market.
China‘s automotive market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with automakers racing to capture the growing demand for EVs. As EV penetration continues to expand, both international and domestic automakers are deploying advanced tech and innovative strategies to stay ahead in the fiercely competitive Chinese market.