'Living in 2070:' Woman Travels Overseas. Then She Sees How the Taxi Driver ‘Airbended’ His Car into Parallel Parking

An American living in China was impressed by a driver’s demonstration of a car’s self-parallel parking technology. TikTok user Chey Pope (@chey_pope) posted a video on TikTok highlighting this feature. She and others on the app were in awe at the car’s touchscreen integration with the car’s parking assistance. Others stated that folks who want this kind of tech in their cars can purchase models from other brands as well.

Self-Parallel Parking Surprise

“Our driver in China said, ‘look at this’, and then he airbended the car into a parking spot???” the TikToker writes in an on-screen caption. As the video progresses, the driver in question can be seen hovering his hand over the vehicle’s infotainment screen. After lining his palm up with the image of the car on the display, he turns his hand in the direction he wants the car to park itself, demonstrating hand-gesture-supported auto parallel parking.

Upon the demo’s completion, Pope turns the camera around to show off her face. She opens her mouth widely, baring her teeth in surprise that the vehicle she’s traveling in is capable of this parking feat. Further compounding her shock is a caption that she appended to her clip, which reads, “What kind of witchcraft and wizardry is this?”

Self-Parking, Even Parallel, on Other Cars

Several people in the comments section of the video exclaimed at the car’s self-parking technology. These features are available from other manufacturers as well. In 2024, a YouTuber demonstrated self parallel-parking technology in a Lexus TX350. Additionally, a Hyundai dealer wrote about the brand’s e-Corner Automatic Parking System. The piece delineates the particulars of this tech and how it assists drivers in getting their vehicles into tight spaces. U.S. News also delineated a list of vehicles that sport self-parking functionality, like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE and S-Class, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Lucid Air, Genesis G90, and Ram 1500.

Furthermore, Motor1 reported in 2024 that Ford ruminated on removing self-parking technology from some vehicles in its lineup. In the same year, demonstrations from Volkswagen also showcased parallel-parking assistance. There are also clips of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 demonstrating a similar feat. 

Aerial 360 View Cameras

There were others in the comments section who were gobsmacked by the aerial view shown on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. Both Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book have outlined a number of automakers that have outfitted some of their vehicles with this feature, which is sometimes referred to as a Surround-View system. Some of these manufacturers include Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet. However, there are differences in the functionality of these driver assistance packages, which Motor1 outlines thoroughly in this 2019 article.

Furthermore, each brand has its own monikers for what is effectively a 360-degree camera, which are available to purchase as standalone units for personal use, too.

Several folks who replied to Pope’s video asked which type of car she was riding in. Others speculated that it was a BYD model. Judging by the direction of the green rectangular boxes’ arrow-guided assistance system, it looks similar to the tech displayed in this DiscoverChinaAuto YouTube clip. The video shows off the capabilities of the BYD Yangwang U7’s suspension along with its self-parking tech. Also demonstrated in the social media post is an aerial view display of the BYD vehicle, along with its ability to parallel park itself into tight spaces between two other cars.

Motor1 has reached out to Pope via TikTok comment for further information. We'll update this story should she respond.