(Yicai Global) Dec. 22 -- Baidu, the Chinese internet giant that is investing heavily in autonomous driving, has obtained the first batch of five permits to test self-driving vehicles in Nanjing, southeastern Jiangsu province, the firm said today.

Baidu’s unmanned vehicles, developed in conjunction with Hongqi, FAW Group’s premium brand, will carry out tests at self-driving Level Four, in which the car is fully capable of driving itself without human intervention, but only in specific, controlled areas, the firm said. Level Five, the highest standard, is full automation.

Nanjing opened its first testing ground for autonomous driving in Qinhuai district today. It covers an area of 1.62 square kilometers and has 10.67 kilometers of roads.

Editor: Kim Taylor