City emerges as automobile hub

The policies of the local government make it particularly attractive for companies developing IoV technologies and products, he added.

In September 2018, Ford conducted its first C-V2X tests during the World Internet of Things Exposition in Wuxi, representing a major milestone for the company in its efforts to promote the technology.

The tests demonstrated how vehicles can adapt their speed or activate warning lights in dangerous situations by reacting to traffic lights and the behavior of other road users.

"We will be attending this year's World IoT Exposition in Wuxi and will be focusing more on commercialization and user experience with our local partners," said Hou.

In addition to Ford, a number of other reputable automakers including Audi, Volvo and Volkswagen have joined the IoV project in Wuxi to explore the many possibilities brought about by the new vehicle technologies.

And this is no mere experiment, according to Xiong Wei, director of Huawei's wireless internet LTE product department.

V2X is now the fastest-growing industry in the city and the province; it will play a key role in the future of smart transportation, with the aim of improving traffic safety and vehicle efficiency, he said.

"And if IoV technologies are set to improve transport and make it safer, it is clear that the work being done in Wuxi is set to benefit us all," Xiong said.