Storyline China unveils graded smart driving evaluation system [Voice_over] The China Automotive Engineering Research Institute has launched the country's first pyramid-shaped assessment framework, a multi-tiered benchmark designed to scientifically and rigorously grade autonomous driving capabilities. The CAERI's new system measures a vehicle's technical and performance thresholds and is structured into three levels- safety baseline, comprehensive excellence, and top-tier intelligence. Each tier corresponds to product positioning and R&D investment intensity, providing automakers with development pathways, and helping consumers make more informed decisions. [Sound_bite] Li Chaobin, director, Intelligent Connected Vehicle Evaluation Research Center, CAERI: "This system is supported by more than a decade of data from evaluations of over 100 vehicle models. It has filled a gap in China's smart driving industry by providing a graded evaluation system that helps companies improve development while also addressing consumers' difficulties in choosing vehicles." [Voice_over] Along with the evaluation framework, CAERI also released two technical roadmaps on intelligent cockpits and safety testing, outlining R&D priorities and verification methods for the next five years. Global consultancy firm McKinsey predicts that China will become the world's biggest market for autonomous vehicles and mobility services, with revenues from the sector expected to top 500 billion U.S. dollars by the year 2030. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]