Guangdong pushes AI-plus-consumption plan, backs L3 self-driving pilots

On November 3, 2026, 36Kr reported that the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission issued the Guangdong Province Plan for Expanding Consumption. The plan calls for accelerating the development of “AI + consumption,” pushing high-end growth in categories such as AI phones and PCs, smart wearables, intelligent robots, and desktop 3D printers. It also proposes speeding up R&D and interoperability for smart security and video-based care systems, so as to diversify digital product choices. On connected vehicles, the plan says Guangdong will step up support for the smart connected vehicle industry, encourage automakers to seek compliance-based access and road-pilot approvals for L3 autonomous driving models, and carry out testing and commercial operations in the Greater Bay Area in an orderly way. Beyond mobility, the plan sets out to nurture a group of leading first-launch economy enterprises and platform venues, guide cities to attract high-profile domestic and overseas flagship stores according to local conditions, back quality brands in holding debut, first-show, and first-exhibition events, and encourage municipalities to set up green channels for such stores. This is the full set of details disclosed in available reporting so far.