Xpeng P7 on auto navigation crashes into truck, injuring driver

A driver of an Xpeng P7 collided with a truck whilst using the car's driver assistance system, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technologies.

The Xpeng P7, while using its NGP automatic navigation assisted driving system, crashed into the rear of a truck at high speed on a highway in Shandong, China. The accident resulted in slight injuries to the driver and significant damage to the front of the vehicle. 

The cause of the collision was unclear; however, the system appeared not to have recognised the truck, which was a flatbed vehicle with an extended tail.

Xpeng said it would fully investigate the crash and that its initial analysis showed the car’s assistant driving features were 'functioning normally' before the collision.

Xpeng reputedly failed to contact the owner after the accident and then directed him to contact the police, prompting a wave of complaints online. The company later said it would improve its 'seemingly inhumane' customer service.