Fatal car crash raises alarm bells on assisted driving tech

Cici Cao and agencies

A fatal crash involving Chinese electric vehicle maker Xiaomi's (1810) SU7 has raised fears about assisted driving tech in the mainland.

Three college students died on Saturday night after their SU7 hit a concrete barrier on an expressway in eastern Anhui province, while the vehicle had been in autonomous mode just before the accident.

The car, while traveling on a section with roadworks, detected an obstacle ahead, issued a warning, and handed control to the driver, Xiaomi said.

Founder Lei Jun said in an online post that he was "heavy-hearted" after three were killed in the accident and pledged to cooperate with the police for investigation.

However, many social media users have questioned Xiaomi's assisted driving functions, why the car caught fire, and whether the doors could be opened in an emergency.

The company's shares have dropped 12.7 percent since Friday's closing.

Meanwhile, China's largest auto show faces a dispute between its government backers over organizing rights, causing confusion before its Shanghai event starting April 23. Auto China alternates between Beijing and Shanghai yearly, with carmakers like Volkswagen and BYD (1211) set to unveil new models.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and its Shanghai branch have issued separate media registration notices, breaking from past joint arrangements.

In other news, China's Dongfeng Motor (0489) and Chongqing Changan Automobile, both state-controlled, are in advanced merger talks.