[250401] #Lotus Robotics #Hesai #Nissan

1. Waabi says its virtual robotrucks are realistic enough to prove the real ones are safe

• Waabi claims its highly realistic virtual simulation (Waabi World) is accurate enough to validate the safety of its autonomous trucks without excessive real-world testing.
• The system creates a digital twin of real-world trucks, incorporating LiDAR, radar, and real sensor data to ensure high-fidelity simulations.
• Waabi World achieves 99.7% accuracy in predicting truck trajectories, matching real-world behavior within 10 cm.
• Unlike traditional testing methods that require millions of miles on real roads, Waabi’s approach accelerates safety validation while improving cost-efficiency.
• Waabi partners with Uber Freight and Volvo, with plans to remove human drivers from its robotrucks later this year, pending regulatory approval.
• The company believes its simulation-driven validation could become a new industry standard for proving the safety of autonomous vehicles.

2. Japan’s Nissan tests driverless vehicles in city streets filled with cars and people

Nissan is advancing autonomous vehicle testing in Japan with LiDAR-equipped Level 2 self-driving technology, aiming for full Level 4 autonomy by 2029–2030 to address driver shortages and global competition.

3. Hesai Selected by Top European OEM For Exclusive Multi-Year Lidar Contract On Its Next-Generation Global Platform

• Hesai Technology has won an exclusive multi-year contract with a leading European OEM to supply ultra-long-range LiDAR for its next-generation vehicle platform.
• The agreement covers both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs), ensuring widespread adoption of LiDAR across different powertrains.
• This marks the largest global LiDAR contract in the automotive industry, extending into the next decade.
• Hesai continues to dominate the LiDAR market, with 120 design wins across 22 OEMs as of February 2025.
• In December 2024, Hesai became the first company to deliver over 100,000 LiDAR units in a single month, showcasing its mass production capability.
• The deal reinforces the growing role of LiDAR in ADAS and autonomous driving, enhancing vehicle safety and accident prevention.

4. Lotus Robotics and CaoCao Mobility launch autonomous driving platform for robotaxis

5. Xpeng chairman sees Hong Kong as launch pad for self-driving EVs

• Xpeng plans to test its autonomous driving system (X NGP) in Hong Kong, aiming for global expansion by 2026.
• The company sees Hong Kong as a strategic testing ground to introduce self-driving technology beyond mainland China.
• Xpeng is set to launch its G6 and X9 models in right-hand drive markets, including Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, this year.
• By 2033, Xpeng aims for overseas sales to account for 50% of total revenue, highlighting its global ambitions.
• Xpeng’s chairman advocates for regulatory reforms to support autonomous driving, self-parking technology, and flying vehicles.
• The company plans to begin mass production of flying cars in 2026, targeting tourism, logistics, and underdeveloped transport networks.
• The “low-altitude economy,” including flying vehicles, has gained recognition in China’s 2024 and 2025 government plans as a new economic growth area.