China tech stampede into electric cars sparks auto sector buzz

People visit the booth of Baidu’s Apollo autonomous driving system at the Auto Shanghai show in China. Cars are the next major prize in the battle for digital territory, industry insiders say, and the deep pockets and data muscle of big Chinese tech firms will fuel even faster growth in ‘smart-electric’ vehicles – and possibly hasten the arrival of autonomous cars. — Reuters

SHANGHAI: Thought your smartphone was taking over your life? Your car may be next as Chinese firms lead a Big Tech stampede into auto manufacturing in their battle for more consumers.

Cars are the next major prize in the battle for digital territory, industry insiders say, and the deep pockets and data muscle of big Chinese tech firms will fuel even faster growth in “smart-electric” vehicles – and possibly hasten the arrival of autonomous cars.