Xpeng Unveils Cutting-Edge Semi-Autonomous Driving System

Industrials Author: Fuller Wang, CNBC Oct 24, 2022 09:42 PM (GMT+8)

Features of XNGP will be rolled out over the next two years. City NGP, which stands for a navigation-guided pilot, will be rolled out starting this year and into the first half of 2023 in certain Chinese cities.

Xiaopeng automobile

On October 24, 2022, Xpeng, the popular Chinese EV maker, revealed its most advanced semi-autonomous advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) named XNGP. The platform automatically enables the car to carry out some driving functions but requires a driver behind the wheel. XNGP replaces Xpeng’s Xpilot ADAS system. The company said XNGP would roll out later this year in certain cities in China and it will be available with the G9 Max, its top-spec sport utility vehicle. XNGP is Xpeng’s most advanced ADAS to date.

Features of XNGP will be rolled out over the next two years. City NGP, which stands for a navigation-guided pilot, will be rolled out starting this year and into the first half of 2023 in certain Chinese cities. City NGP allows the car to semi-autonomously navigate complex urban environments with features such as lane switching. In the second half of next year, Xpeng plans to release features such as overtaking and parking, aiming to have semi-autonomous driving features available for all major cities by 2024 in China.

Xpeng reported a wider-than-expected loss in the year's second quarter, and its guidance for car deliveries in the third quarter disappointed the market. The company has been forced to hike the price of some of its cars this year due to rising raw material costs. And Covid-related lockdowns in China this year, which have weighed on the economy, have also dampened consumer sentiment. Xpeng is also facing rising competition from established players such as Warren Buffett-backed BYD and U.S. giant Tesla as well as Chinese start-ups such as Nio and Li Auto. Xpeng has looked to position itself as a technology-focused electric vehicle company, often talking up its semi-autonomous driving system as well as investments in robotics and flying cars.