Chinese automaker further develops unmanned logistics

Unmanned cars deliver materials in the Hexi Base plant of SGMW in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) Automobile Co, a major Chinese automobile manufacturer in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has recently completed its second unmanned logistics line in its Hexi Base after buildings its first one in its Baojun Base on March 5.

A total of 16 routes and 75 unmanned vehicles have been put into use on the unmanned logistics lines in the two bases of SGMW, covering assembly logistics, engine logistics, stamping logistics, and body logistics, with each single transportation line saving as much as 50 percent in labor costs.

During the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, unmanned logistics not only solved the problem of labor shortages, but also realized contactless logistics through unmanned and programmed operations, effectively reducing the risk of cross-transmission of the disease through exposure.

In the future, the company will continue to accelerate the marketization of autonomous driving, and will gradually explore more application areas with 5G technology.

SGMW has ranked first among the top 100 manufacturing enterprises in Guangxi for many years, and has become an important leader in Guangxi's high-quality industrial development. Since 2002, the company's sales revenue has increased from 3.8 billion yuan ($532.34 million) to 110.4 billion yuan, providing a strong boost for local industrial economic development.

The company has become the first Chinese auto company with an output exceeding 22 million, according to an announcement made on May 25. It also released the Wuling global sliver badge, a new logo that will be used in the future for exploring the more high-end passenger car market.