The 21st Auto Shanghai show is underway, and GAC Aion is participating with a range of updated models and one notable new entry: a Level 4 autonomous vehicle it describes as ready for mass production.
The robotaxi, developed in collaboration with Didi, is designed to operate autonomously in predefined scenarios, reflecting the companies’ efforts to advance practical applications of self-driving technology.
Unveiled earlier this month at a GAC event, the vehicle features a headlight-linked interactive display designed to show greetings, vehicle status, and expressions. A floating disc-shaped LiDAR (light detection and ranging) unit is mounted on the roof, supplemented by additional sensors on the fenders and cameras positioned to provide a 360-degree field of view.
GAC said the car incorporates Didi’s latest autonomous driving platform and is equipped with 33 sensors, including ten LiDAR units, infrared and acoustic sensors, multiple cameras, and 4D millimeter-wave radar. These components enable perception across various driving conditions. The vehicle’s onboard computing system is rated for 2,000 TOPS (trillion operations per second), a benchmark aimed at ensuring safety redundancy.
GAC and Didi formalized their collaboration in May 2023, establishing a joint venture, Andi Technology, in April 2024. Six months later, Didi secured USD 298 million in Series C funding, with GAC as a lead investor. The funding is expected to support their shared efforts in autonomous vehicle production.
The robotaxi is built on GAC Aion’s premium electric vehicle platform and Xingling electronic architecture. It integrates Didi’s proprietary hardware-software stack, a multi-layer safety system, and a new cockpit interface developed specifically for driverless operation.
According to GAC Aion, the model has completed automotive-grade verification testing and is intended for both domestic and international deployment. If commercialized as planned, it would be among the first Level 4 robotaxis built for global distribution.
In addition to the robotaxi, GAC Aion introduced three updated models:
- The Ultra version of the Aion UT is positioned as a sportier option within the lineup.
- The Aion V Bawanglong, meanwhile, is being promoted with a prize draw and tailored for long-range travel.
- Rounding out the trio is a restyled Aion RT, which appears to draw design cues from the Porsche Panamera and features improvements in both handling and visual appeal.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Han Yongchang for 36Kr.