Beijing to Test Self-Driving Delivery Vehicles

What’s new: The Beijing municipal government will allow self-driving delivery vehicles to operate in certain areas of the city in a trial of autonomous auto technology for commercial use.

A document released Monday designated several areas in the city’s northeast Yizhuang New District, the Daxing International Airport and several expressways for the operation of unmanned delivery vehicles.

The areas will offer testing grounds for management and operation of the new technology, according to the document.

Why it matters: Beijing joined several local governments in promoting the commercialization of autonomous vehicles amid China’s push to develop smart electric vehicles.

Operating at low speeds, unmanned delivery vehicles are a good choice for testing the new technology, experts said.

China’s smart EV sector is enjoying a new boom fueled by government support and growing confidence of investors, luring more tech giants to jump on the bandwagon.

Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. To read the full story in Chinese, click here.

Related: Cover Story: Tech Giants Bet on the Smart-Car Revolution

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com)

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