MIIT: In 1–2, the penetration rate of new passenger vehicles equipped with Level 2 combined driving assistance reached 69.15%.

BEIJING, 4 21 (Xinhua) — Tao Qing, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and director of its Bureau of Operation Monitoring and Coordination, said at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on 4 21 that new passenger vehicles equipped with Level 2 combined driving assistance systems accounted for 69.15% of all new sales from 1 to 2, up 10 percentage points year over year. In other words, more than 69 out of every 100 newly sold passenger vehicles feature Level 2 combined driving assistance capabilities.

Tao Qing noted that the equipment manufacturing sector had a strong start in the first quarter, characterized by "stable production, rising investment, and robust exports." First, production growth remained steady. The value-added output of the equipment manufacturing industry grew by 6.2% year-on-year, contributing 19.4% to overall industrial growth. Second, investment in key industries rebounded. Fixed asset investments in 5 major sectors within the equipment manufacturing industry all posted positive growth. Specifically, the railway, shipbuilding, aerospace, and other transportation equipment manufacturing sectors saw year-on-year increases of 27.7% and 12.5%, respectively, while the general-purpose equipment manufacturing sector also expanded. Third, exports made a significant contribution. Export value of equipment manufacturing products, denominated in RMB, rose by 19.2% year-on-year, accounting for more than 60% of total export value. "In terms of high-end and intelligent development within the equipment manufacturing sector, this can be summarized as 'three continuous advancements,'" Tao added.

First, innovation capabilities continue to strengthen. The world's first invasive brain-computer interface medical device received regulatory approval and market launch, filling a global clinical gap; domestic spot-welding industrial robots achieved their first batch application on automotive welding lines; and the world's first medium-speed wire-cut electrical discharge machine capable of five-axis linkage was successfully developed, significantly improving machining efficiency.

Second, the range of premium products continues to expand. Among passenger cars priced above 50 million yuan, domestic brand models saw year-over-year sales growth of 97%, capturing a market share of 69.5%. The second large domestic cruise ship, Adora City, successfully launched from the dry dock. The world's largest pile driver vessel, "CRBC Bridge Pile 1", was delivered. The "Xiangyun" AS700 manned airship has secured 42 confirmed orders to date.

Third, intelligence levels continue to improve. The equipment manufacturing industry has established 197 excellence-level smart factories, driving an average product defect rate reduction of 48.4% and an average production efficiency increase of 22.3%. From 1 to 2, the penetration rate of new passenger vehicles with L2-level combined driver assistance features reached 69.15%, a year-over-year increase of 10 percentage points. In other words, for every 100 new passenger vehicles sold, more than 69 are equipped with L2-level combined driver assistance.

Tao Qing stated that the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will focus on three key tasks: First, strategic planning. Accelerate the development of the 15th Five-Year Plan for intelligent connected new energy vehicles and issue guidance on accelerating innovation in intelligent equipment. Second, ensure stable operations. Implement new round-of-stabilization plans for machinery, automotive, and power equipment sectors; continue promoting equipment upgrades and trade-in programs for vehicles; and standardize industry competition with a "nail-driving" spirit of persistence. Third, concentrate efforts on breakthroughs. Continue implementing high-quality development initiatives for key equipment industrial chains, strengthen攻关 (breakthroughs) on flagship products, and promote the adoption of resulting innovations.

(Source: People's Daily Online)