China's top 10 auto industry stories, trends during 2018

Self-driving rules released

China released a national guideline on road tests for self-driving vehicles in April, as part of a broader drive to accelerate the development of the technology and gain the advantage in commercializing such vehicles. The guideline, which took effect on May 1, allows local authorities to evaluate local conditions and arrange road tests for autonomous vehicles. China has been enthusiastic about the new technology. Local authorities in Beijing issued the nation's first guideline for road tests of autonomous vehicles in December 2017 and unveiled a closed testing ground for autonomous cars in February.