In Shiyan, a historic hub of automotive innovation, cutting-edge advancements continue to redefine its industrial landscape. On April 10, a driverless refrigerated van draped in red silk rolled off the production line at Dongfeng Special Vehicle Co., Ltd., marking the official mass production of Shiyan’s L4-level autonomous commercial vehicles. Equipped with pure electric propulsion, a 240-kilometer range, and a maximum payload of 1.8 tons, this vehicle integrates advanced radar and camera systems to autonomously handle obstacle avoidance, route planning, and nighttime operations.

In recent years, Shiyan has prioritized the transformation of its automotive sector toward new energy and smart connectivity. From electrification to autonomous driving, and from major project launches to global industry summits, the city has taken bold strides. In Q1 2024, Shiyan’s automotive manufacturing sector generated 29.88 billion yuan in output value, a 5.3% year-on-year increase, while new energy vehicle production surged by 2.2 times, underscoring the city’s dynamic growth.

As the "Commercial Vehicle Capital of China," Shiyan boasts a complete industrial ecosystem. From screws and chassis to engines, transmissions, and power batteries, the city hosts 12 vehicle manufacturers and 3,167 parts suppliers, producing over 100 vehicle models, 1,000 assemblies, and 4,000 components. With an annual production capacity exceeding 1 million vehicles, this robust foundation fuels Shiyan’s rapid advancement in new energy and smart vehicle technologies.

Shiyan also excels in specialized vehicle manufacturing. The city is home to 55 certified specialty vehicle companies with an annual output of 100,000 units, spanning six major categories and 3,162 customized models. These vehicles serve diverse industries, injecting fresh momentum into the local economy. The city’s innovation extends to autonomous driving: on March 20, its first L4-level autonomous street sweeper debuted at the City Light Unmanned Manufacturing Base, showcasing breakthroughs in self-driving technology.

New battery technology, the "heart" of electric vehicles, is another focus for Shiyan. By strengthening supply chains and fostering partnerships across battery materials, electrodes, and energy storage systems, the city has cultivated 32 large-scale battery enterprises. In 2024, Shiyan’s new battery sector achieved an output value of 21.25 billion yuan, up 41% year-on-year.

A standout example is Envision AESC’s new energy battery production facility, which manufactures 315Ah energy storage cells—core products with a 25-year lifespan and 12,000 charge cycles. As demand for new energy vehicles grows, the facility’s orders have soared, with Q1 2024 output tripling year-on-year to 3 billion yuan.

Shiyan’s blend of tradition and innovation continues to drive its ascent as a global leader in commercial vehicle manufacturing.