Xpeng aims to steal a march on Tesla’s FSD by updating its self-driving software earlier

Xpeng’s XOS 5.2.0 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is scheduled for release through its over-the-air software update on July 30, the carmaker said. Senior executives and designers will shed light on how the update can make Xpeng’s smart vehicles even more intelligent, capable of recognising traffic lights, turning, changing lanes and overtaking other vehicles.

FSD has been improved from the old version in terms of self-driving capability, but the X NGP would take a different approach in achieving autonomy, Xpeng’s co-founder and chief executive He Xiaopeng said on the carmaker’s Weibo account.

Cars fitted with the software are also capable of self-navigation on highways. But human inter­vention is still required under many circumstances.

“Xpeng needs to impress as many wealthy consumers in China, who are interested in owning cars with self-driving capability, before Tesla tests its FSD here,” said Chen Jinzhu, CEO of consultancy Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service. “At present, Xpeng has an advantage over its American rival as it is more knowledgeable about the traffic conditions in China.”

The carmaker, 5 per cent owned by Volkswagen, said on Monday that it had extended its collaboration with the German partner after they signed an agreement to develop systems that enhance intelligent driving abilities.

Project houses in Guangzhou, where Xpeng is headquartered, and Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui province will be established to support development of electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture.

An E/E system connects all in-car electronic control units , sensors and actuators to support a smart vehicle’s capabilities of self-driving, digital connectivity and infotainment.

The signing of the agreement came after both parties agreed in April to co-develop two mid-sized electric cars bearing the VW badge to tap accelerated electrification on the mainland’s roads where 40 per cent of new cars are now powered by batteries.

Last month, Xpeng unveiled its first model under the new Mona sub-brand, as it explores the compact car segment by taking on market leader BYD.

The company will officially launch the Mona brand next month and release the growth strategy and development plan for the product line-up.

Its CEO He told an EV forum in Beijing in March models under the brand would be equipped with autonomous driving systems and priced at 100,000 yuan (US$13,828) to 150,000 yuan.