The 2019 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference (WICV), hosted by the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), the Ministry of Transport (MOT), and the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), kicked off on October 22 in Shunyi, Beijing. Cai Qi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, and Wan Gang, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the CAST, attended the opening ceremony. Chen Jining, Mayor of Beijing; Miao Wei, Minister of Industry and Information Technology; Du Hangwei, Vice Minister of Public Security; and Wang Zhiqing, Member of Party Leadership Group and Chief Planner of the MOT, attended and delivered speeches. Yin Yong, Vice Mayor of Beijing, presided over the opening ceremony.

Miao pointed out that the flourishing, new global sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation are accelerating the integration of automobiles with energy, transportation, and ICT. As important carriers for industrial integration and innovation, intelligent connected vehicles (ICV) are driving profound changes in vehicle design, travel mode, energy consumption, and social operations, with vast market potential and growth opportunities. Since the first WICV in 2018, the MIIT, in collaboration with relevant departments, has vigorously advanced ICV industrialization in China, resulting in clearer development directions, more dynamic innovation, and an increasingly optimized development environment.

Moving forward, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the MIIT will advance industrial development through integrated innovation.

1. Enhance technological innovation capabilities

We will support enterprises in collaborative innovation to study key common technologies, such as the computing basic platform for ICV, and establish an integrated innovation platform for future mobility.

2. Build a new industrial ecosystem

With enterprises guiding the whole industrial chain and innovative application of vehicle operating systems at the forefront, we aim to build a new industrial ecosystem that fosters symbiosis, collaboration, and shared benefits among various market entities.

3. Improve coordinated development mechanisms

It is imperative to strengthen interdepartmental cooperation to address critical issues such as ICV expressway testing, autonomous driving map applications, network infrastructure construction, and intelligent road upgrades, thereby promoting vehicle-road collaboration and data exchange.

4. Deepen international exchange and cooperation

We will implement the timeline and roadmap for opening up China’s automotive industry. This includes improving mechanisms for international exchange and cooperation among governments, enterprises, and institutions in various areas and at different levels, and strengthening coordination with relevant countries in policy planning and standard regulations.

Themed “Jointly Building an Ecosystem to Lead a Smart Future-Ushering in a New Era of Automobiles”, the conference aims to become a world-class professional platform in the ICV industry. Concurrently, the China International New Energy and Intelligent Connected Vehicles Exhibition is held. Erik Jonnaert, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA); Xu Liuping, Chairman of FAW Group; Christopher A. Pissarides, Nobel Memorial Laureate in Economic Sciences and Fellow of the British Academy; and Xu Zhijun, Rotating Chairman of Huawei, among others, delivered keynote speeches. Representatives from domestic and international ICV-related enterprises, universities, research institutions, and industry organizations attended the opening ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, leaders including Miao Wei, Chen Jining, and Wang Zhiqing visited the exhibition.

Officials from the General Office, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Equipment Industry, and Department of International Cooperation of the MIIT participated in the opening ceremony.