The Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has taken many victims during the last month and the total number of infected cases in China passed 80,000. The impact on OEMs is severe, with a sharp reduction in sales at February of almost 90%! compared to Feb. 2018. Nevertheless, autonomous driving vehicles are becoming operational, serving the people of China at this challenging time, providing a range of medical and logistics needs, decreasing risk of infection and efficiently serving the population at infected areas. Autonomous vehicles are used as disinfection spray robots, autonomous cleaning vehicles, grocery delivery to population at quarantine, intelligent thermal temperature measurement imaging and medical supply delivery inside hospitals.

Moreover, despite the epidemic the AV sector reached two amazing achievements this month. First, Pony.ai raised $462 million round B, evaluated at over $3 billion! Second, a Chinese company was ranked #1 at CA, US in autonomous driving disengagement, placing Baidu as a leader after long time of Waymo dominance at the top. In total 4 Chinese companies were placed at the top 10 list.

With the epidemic spreading to over 70 countries in the last month, I wish you all health and safety. Continuing last month initiative, you are welcome to join me in donation to support Chinese at the epidemic areas – Coronavirus Relief Fund or share with our readers, alternative ways to contribute the community at the comments.