China green-lights self-driving passenger vehicles in Beijing

13 Sept 13:45 Key points summarised by AI

Beijing becomes the first Chinese city to approve pilot commercial operation of self-driving passenger vehicles without anyone in the driver's seat.
The initial phase permits 14 driverless cars from companies like Baidu and Pony.ai to operate with safety supervisors in the front passenger seat.
New regulations specify strict entry requirements for operators, including mileage and order numbers, and explore a point-based system for managing violations.
The city is advancing policies for autonomous vehicles, aiming for future remote operation of unmanned vehicles and encouraging further technological and business model innovations.

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