Ford conducted connected-car technology trials in China for the advancement of vehicle connectivity networks, improvement of automated driving systems, and the betterment of traffic efficiency.

Ford and Datang, a Chinese telecommunications equipment group, have been performing what they are calling Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything technology (C-V2X) trials in China since late 2017, according to the automaker. The tests assessed the potential in C-V2X connected-car technology, where communication between wireless infrastructures in cities and connected vehicles will support automated vehicles.

C-V2X technology extends a vehicle’s ability to see, hear and understand its environment, enabling vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to collaborate and respond more effectively in potentially hazardous situations, Ford said in a release.

Ford and Datang conducted the trials at the National Intelligent Vehicle Pilot Zone in Shanghai, a intelligent connected car demonstration area in China, according to Ford. The tests built on Datang’s work in creating LTE-V2X technology, which is the first phase of C-V2X technology and Ford’s key role in the area of intelligent connected vehicles (ICV) in China.

The Chinese government has supported and promoted the development of intelligent connected vehicles infrastructure as part of a strategy to harness the economic potential of 5G.