Recently, construction started on the Yangtze River Delta Automotive Science and Innovation Base project, Zhejiang's first comprehensive international automotive R&D and testing center, with a total investment of approximately RMB 5.33 billion. It is expected to be basically completed and put into operation by August 2028.

The Yangtze River Delta Automotive Science and Innovation Base project is located in the Shiertang area of Ningbo Qianwan New Area, with a total land area of about 3,453 mu. Its main construction content includes four major functional sections: automotive testing, closed testing for intelligent connected vehicles, automotive sports and culture, and R&D and industry. Adopting the design concept of "nested integration, integrated symbiosis, and future orientation," it pioneeringly integrates traditional automotive testing, full-scale closed testing for intelligent connected vehicles, and international-standard tracks, thereby achieving differentiated competition with other comprehensive test grounds.

Looking to the future, in addition to setting up a dedicated closed testing area for intelligent connected vehicles, the project also reserves intelligent pipelines across the entire site. After renovation, full-site closed testing for intelligent connected vehicles can be quickly realized. In addition, space is reserved for the future construction of indoor automotive inspection and R&D testing laboratories and off-season indoor ice and snow test laboratories. "The ground treatment across the entire site also lays the foundation for future development. If functions change or increase, renovation can be easily achieved," said the project manager.

To promote the development of the automotive industry, Qianwan New Area is also actively advancing the coordinated development of the intelligent vehicle industry and smart city construction, integrating more intelligent vehicle application scenarios into regional development and construction. At present, Phases I and II of the national-level pilot project for urban smart vehicle infrastructure and mechanisms have been completed.