General Motors and SAIC’s joint venture formally unveiled a Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) rival in the Chinese market on July 15, 2024, local media Gasgoo reported.
GM-SAIC debuts NOP in China
SAIC-GM officially debuted its new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the Navigation on Pilot (NOP), in China on Monday.
The NOP’s launch propelled the joint venture to become the first in the country to offer highway pilot assistance functionality.
Pan-Asia Automotive Technology Center, a joint venture between GM and SAIC, developed the NOP system locally in Pudong, Shanghai.
Capabilities
SAIC-GM’s NOP system features L2+ advanced assisted driving capabilities. It supports different road conditions, including highways, elevated roads, and urban expressways.
This Level 2+ ADAS system can perform various tasks, including the following:
- overtaking
- lane switching
- on-ramp/off-ramp driving
SAIC-GM’s introduction of the NOP stimulated significant interest among tech enthusiasts, even comparing it to Tesla FSD.
ADAS race heats up: Tesla FSD’s progress
In late April, reports emerged suggesting Tesla successfully secured tentative approval for FSD testing in China.
Following the news, the Musk-led company reportedly kicked off FSD’s road testing in the country.
In May, “Employee FSD Beta Program: Registered” appeared in a display unit, hinting at internal testing.
In June, the Chinese government authorized nine top local players to test ADAS with capabilities beyond Tesla FSD.
Chinese authorities are showing strong support for ADAS development, with reports indicating an increase in testing on local roads.
The NOP’s debut marks a significant step forward for autonomous driving technology in China. NOP, the first highway pilot assistance system offered domestically, positions GM-SAIC as a strong competitor in the rapidly growing ADAS industry. It would be interesting to see how it can compete with Tesla’s FSD when the latter finally hits the Chinese market.
