On August 2, a press briefing on the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference (WICV 2024) was held in Beijing. Qu Guochun, Director-General of the Equipment Industry Development Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and Secretary-General of the WICV Organizing Committee, gave an overview of the conference and preparation updates. Xu Hongwei, Executive Deputy Director of the Beijing Autonomous Driving Office, detailed the organizational and logistical preparations of the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone. Xing Fansheng, General Affairs Division Director of the Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Transport (MOT), and relevant officials from the Automotive and Transportation Industry Division of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology were also present. Ma Chunsheng, Automotive Development Division Director of the Department of Equipment Manufacturing Industries I, MIIT, presided over the press briefing.

The Third Plenary Session of the 20^th CPC Central Committee proposed that “In accordance with the Party Central Committee’s decisions and plans concerning economic work, we will ensure effective implementation of macro policies, strive to expand domestic demand, develop new quality productive forces in light of local conditions, move faster to foster new drivers of foreign trade, and take solid steps toward green and low-carbon development.” The new energy and intelligent vehicles play a crucial role in stabilizing domestic demand, developing new quality productive forces, fostering new drivers of foreign trade, and advancing green and low-carbon development. To share global experiences in intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) policy regulation, technological R&D, industry cultivation, and demonstration applications, the WICV 2024 is scheduled to take place from October 17 to 19 at the Beiren Etrong International Exhibition & Convention Center in Beijing E-Town. The conference is also to promote the automotive industry’s transformation and sustained global economic growth through cross-border and cross-sector cooperation.

This year’s WICV is co-hosted by the MIIT, the MOT, and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, and co-organized by the Equipment Industry Development Center of the MIIT, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, Administrative Committee of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd. (CATARC), China Society of Automotive Engineers (China-SAE), China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), and China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID). Themed “Collaborating for Future Smart Mobility: Embracing New Opportunities in ICV Development”, the conference aims to establish a global platform for sharing advanced experiences and promoting demonstrations in the ICV sector. It will pool resources and wisdom from global governments, enterprises, and sectors to collaboratively address industry challenges and accelerate ICV development. The conference features a “3+3+6+N” framework: three plenary meetings including the opening ceremony, the plenary session, and the closing ceremony; three special sessions; six thematic summits; and N concurrent side events and interactive activities. In parallel, the China International New Energy and Intelligent Connected Vehicles Exhibition will take place, organized by relevant institutions. This exhibition will showcase the latest models, key technologies and solutions from global enterprises, thereby promoting industry knowledge-sharing and increasing consumer awareness. All these activities help create a diverse, rich, interconnected, and supplementary framework that is “professional, high-end, and international”.

Three highlights of the WICV 2024:

1. First release of global top 10 ICV breakthroughs and trends. The conference will unveil the top 10 breakthroughs and future technology trends in the ICV sector respectively and summarize the past decade’s achievements, guiding further sci-tech innovation and industry advancements.

2. First-ever year-round series of special activities. This year’s edition will witness a series of nationwide, year-round activities to enhance collaboration between central and local governments, between governments and enterprises, and among enterprises, universities, research institutes and end-users. Multi-channel, integrated media platforms will be leveraged to continuously showcase industry advancements, extending the conference’s influence throughout the year.

3. Comprehensive display of multi-scenario intelligent driving features. There will be ICV displays in multiple brands and levels, with convenient reservation services for guests to experience cutting-edge technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on city roads, V2X Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA), and Automated Valet Parking (AVP). Additionally, special sessions like the Autonomous Driving Carnival and industrial tours will comprehensively showcase the advancements of China’s ICV industry.

Three core objectives of the WICV 2024:

1. Pioneering global ICV industry trends. The high-level dialogues that bring together government representatives and industry leaders from major car producing nations will foster a broad consensus on ICV development, release the top 10 industry breakthroughs and trends, and showcase cutting-edge technologies and test ride experiences.

2. Promoting cross-region and cross-sector collaboration. A cross-border, cross-sector communication platform for global political and business elites will be established to explore the possibilities of ICV in terms of policy, technology, and ecosystem. The aim is to deepen cooperative partnerships in multiple areas and at multiple levels.

3. Creating a pacesetter for innovative technology exchange. The conference will highlight the latest R&D results and application scenarios from leading domestic and international players, and share technological innovations, policy updates, and practical experiences. Global industry experts will gather to foster mutual learning and in-depth collaboration, jointly charting the future of the ICV industry.

The WICV 2024, a comprehensive event encompassing meetings, exhibitions, and supporting activities, is set to enhance China’s stature and influence in the global ICV sector, exerting a leading and exemplary role. We sincerely invite industry experts and enterprises to give attention to and participate in this event, contributing to the advancement and dissemination of global ICV technologies and the sector’s prosperity and progress.