Two driverless test cars, produced by Chang'an Automobile, are on their way to Beijing, on April 12, 2016. The modified Changan Raeton, which will become the country's first long-distance unmanned vehicle, started the journey on Tuesday from southwest China's Chongqing. The vehicles will pass through Xi'an, Zhengzhou, and arrive in Beijing on April 17, covering a distance of nearly 2,000 kilometers. [Photo courtesy of Chongqing Daily]

Two driverless cars produced by Chang'an Automobile started a long-distance highway test from Chongqing on April 12, marking the first long-distance road test of self-driving cars in China.

The two cars will pass through Xi'an, Zhengzhou, and arrive in Beijing on April 17, covering a distance of nearly 2,000 kilometers.

Li Yusheng, engineer-in-chief of Chang'an Automobile Engineering & Research Institute, said the drive will help test their functions in diverse conditions.

"The vehicles have performed well in uncomplicated road conditions, such as urban driveways and highways, but they still need the help of a driver to navigate them in places like gas stations and toll booths," said Li.

"We want to improve the vehicles' sensors and processing technology, and then to prepare models for mass production," said Tan Benhong, deputy director of the institute.

Chang'an is aiming to put driverless cars into commercial use in 2018.

Worldwide, at least 18 companies are developing autonomous cars, including BMW, Audi and Toyota. China's contenders include auto makers BAIC group, GAC Group, SAIC Motor, Chang'an and BYD.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.