BUSINESS

Geely Wins EU Approval for Smart Driving Tech

Published: Mar. 16, 2026 4:58 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Geely has secured a safety certification for its advanced driver assistance system under European standards.

Geely Auto Group Co. Ltd. said that it has secured a safety certification for its advanced driver assistance system under European standards, paving the way for the technology to be used in Lotus vehicles in Europe starting June.

The regulatory milestone marks a major step for Chinese automakers seeking to export their smart driving technologies, even as they navigate strict local data rules and rising geopolitical barriers.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Geely secured the UN R171 safety certification for its advanced driver assistance system, enabling legal use in Europe and mass sales across UNECE countries.
The certification marks progress for Chinese automakers, though they face strict data, regulatory, and geopolitical challenges, including a future U.S. ban on Chinese smart vehicles.
European consumer acceptance of smart car tech is rising, with autonomous vehicles projected to account for 25% of sales by 2035.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Geely Auto Group Co. Ltd.: Geely Auto Group Co. Ltd. has secured a European safety certification for its advanced driver assistance system, allowing its use in Lotus vehicles in Europe from June. This milestone enables the company to export its smart driving technologies, with plans to equip Geely, Zeekr, and Lynk brands overseas with the certified system.

Lotus Technology Inc.: Lotus Technology Inc. (路特斯科技公司) is the owner of the British brand Lotus. It operates as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. Geely Auto Group plans to integrate its newly certified advanced driver assistance system into overseas vehicles, including those under the Lotus brand, starting in June. This certification enables legal sales in UN ECE member states.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd.: Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. is the parent company of Lotus Technology Inc. Geely Auto Group, a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely, plans to equip vehicles under its Geely, Zeekr, and Lynk brands sold overseas with its newly certified advanced driver assistance system, allowing sales in UN ECE member states without separate country-by-country approvals.

XPeng Inc.: According to the article, XPeng Inc. is among Chinese automakers mobilizing to tap into international markets. Currently, the company equips its exported models with basic driver assistance systems. This push into global markets by Chinese players like XPeng is supported by technology suppliers who are establishing localized research, operations, and service hubs abroad.

Nio Inc.: Nio Inc. (蔚来) is a Chinese automaker that currently equips its exported models with basic driver assistance systems. Alongside other Chinese players like XPeng Inc., Nio is actively engaged in expanding into international markets.

iMotion Automotive Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd.: iMotion Automotive Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. is a Chinese technology supplier. It has been proactive in establishing localized research, operations, and service hubs abroad to support the global expansion of Chinese automakers like XPeng Inc. and Nio Inc., which are equipping their exported models with basic driver assistance systems.

McKinsey & Co. Inc.: McKinsey & Co. Inc. is mentioned in the article as having a managing partner, Guan Mingyu, based in their Beijing office. Guan Mingyu stated that European consumers are receptive to smart car technologies, forecasting that fully autonomous vehicles will comprise 25% of European auto sales by 2035. Guan also noted the mandatory task for Chinese smart vehicle companies to build strong compliance capabilities in their international expansion.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

By January 2025：: The U.S. government announced it would gradually ban smart vehicles containing Chinese hardware and software from the American market starting 2027.