Changan Auto Sticks with In-House Smart Driving System, Rejects Qianli Technology Partnership

Changan Automobile has firmly denied recent reports suggesting plans to adopt Qianli Technology's advanced driver-assistance system, instead doubling down on its in-house developed Tianshu intelligent driving platform. The Chinese automaker's rejection of these partnership rumors signals its continued strategy of maintaining control over core autonomous driving technologies.

According to a source close to the company, Changan's self-developed Tianshu intelligent driving system has entered a "harvest period," indicating that the technology has reached sufficient maturity to meet the company's needs. This development milestone makes it unlikely that Changan would consider switching to an external provider, even one with advanced capabilities like Qianli Technology, which also operates under the name Afari Technology.

Changan's position reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry where manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing in-house development of autonomous driving technologies. The company has emphasized its commitment to internal control over these critical systems, supported by a substantial R&D team of over 5,000 engineers dedicated to smart driving development. This internal approach allows Changan to customize the technology to its specific vehicle platforms and maintain competitive differentiation in the market.

The strategic importance of Changan's autonomous driving capabilities was underscored in December 2025 when China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology approved the first batch of L3 conditional autonomous driving vehicles. Changan's Deepal SL03 model was included in this prestigious list, equipped with the company's proprietary Tianshu system. This regulatory approval represents a significant validation of Changan's technological approach and positions the company as a leader in China's autonomous driving development.

The autonomous driving sector represents one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the automotive industry, with traditional automakers, technology companies, and specialized startups all vying for market share. Companies like Qianli Technology are developing advanced systems that could potentially offer benefits in terms of cost, time-to-market, or specialized capabilities. However, Changan's decision to maintain its in-house development suggests that the company views autonomous driving as a core competency that provides long-term strategic advantages.

As the automotive industry continues its transition toward increasingly autonomous vehicles, the balance between in-house development and partnerships with specialized technology providers will remain a critical strategic decision for manufacturers. Changan's current stance indicates a belief that the benefits of internal control, customization, and technological independence outweigh the advantages of potentially faster implementation through external partnerships.