Mercedes to Test Self-Driving Cars Privately in China

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first international car maker to secure a Level 4 automated driving test license for urban roads and highways in Beijing, specifically for privately owned vehicles. This achievement marks a major step forward in the development of autonomous driving technology.

Markus Schäfer, the Chief Technology Officer for procurement and development at Mercedes-Benz, expressed the company's excitement about this accomplishment. He stated, "Our plan is to conduct tests on designated roads and highways as part of the research projects carried out by Mercedes-Benz China. It will help us explore cutting-edge technologies in our ongoing development of software and hardware for automated driving systems."

Mercedes-Benz's Level 4 automated driving system builds upon the existing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and represents a significant advancement in the realm of self-driving technology. While the company has already introduced vehicles with Level 3 self-driving capabilities in the US, achieving Level 4 certification in Beijing opens up new possibilities for further innovation.

SAE Level 4 automation signifies highly automated driving capabilities, allowing vehicles to navigate most environments, including freeways and major roads, without requiring the driver to be constantly ready to take control. This achievement positions Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of autonomous driving technology development.

It is important to note that the Level 4 automated driving system being tested in Beijing is distinct from the self-driving robotaxis undergoing trials in various cities in China, San Francisco, and Phoenix for ride-hailing services. Additionally, Tier One supplier Bosch has been conducting tests with Level 4 driverless cars on German roads for over a year, showcasing the global momentum in autonomous vehicle technology.