Advertisement
Electric & new energy vehicles
BusinessChina Business

Elon Musk in China: Tesla passes data security assessment that could pave way for lifting of bars to its cars’ movements

  • The US carmaker’s Model 3 and Model Y were given the all-clear for handling of personal data, including facial recognition and the collection of cockpit data
  • Tesla says it could lead to an easing of restrictions on its cars’ access to certain state-backed entities, airports and motorways

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
9
During his meeting with Musk on Sunday, Premier Li said Tesla’s operations in China represented a successful example of an economic tie-up between China and the US as he encouraged more cooperation between the two countries. Photo: Xinhua
Daniel Renin Shanghai
Tesla has passed a test of its compliance with Beijing’s data security rules thanks to a watershed decision it says could pave the way for the removal of some restrictions on the use of its cars in mainland China.
The American carmaker has been assessed by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), a government-backed industry consortium, and given the all-clear for its protection of privacy in handling of personal data, which encompass facial recognition, and the collection and processing of cockpit data.

The result of the review on Sunday evening coincides with CEO Elon Musk’s visit to Beijing where he met Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss Tesla’s operations in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market.

Tesla said in a statement that the endorsement of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles assembled at the Shanghai Giga factory would lead to an easing of restrictions on its cars’ access to certain state-backed entities, airports and motorways.

The CAAM assessment that began in November is voluntary, and Tesla is among the first batch of carmakers to received the endorsement, along with BYD, Li Auto, Nio, Hozon and Lotus.

01:25

Elon Musk meets Premier Li Qiang in Beijing amid Tesla bid to promote self-driving tech

Elon Musk meets Premier Li Qiang in Beijing amid Tesla bid to promote self-driving tech

“The result of the review will give Tesla car owners and other fans of its cars a lot of confidence in driving them on the streets of China,” said Chen Jinzhu, CEO of consultancy Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service. “Since the CAAM is a government-backed auto industry association, the review certainly will have an influence on relevant authorities’ policymaking.”

Advertisement