FYI: Mercedes-Benz has made a significant stride by obtaining approval to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles on select roadways in China, edging out Tesla’s anticipated Full Self-Driving (FSD) launch this year.
Mercedes-Benz to Begin Testing Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles in China
Mercedes-Benz has achieved a pivotal milestone, securing approval from Chinese authorities to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles on designated roadways. This development allows the German automaker to conduct trials where the vehicles handle most driving scenarios without requiring a human takeover. The testing will encompass various complex driving maneuvers such as U-turns, lane changes, parking, roundabouts, and navigating toll booths, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
Pioneering in Foreign Approval
Mercedes-Benz’s approval marks it as the first foreign automaker to gain such permission in China, setting a precedent for other international companies. This achievement comes as Tesla aims to receive full regulatory clearance for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system by the end of the year. Elon Musk, during Tesla’s Q2 2024 earnings call, expressed optimism about obtaining approval for FSD Supervised in Europe and China within the same timeframe. Despite these ambitions, Tesla’s FSD currently operates at a Level 2 autonomy, necessitating constant driver supervision.
The Competitive Landscape
While Mercedes-Benz has been given the green light for Level 4 testing, local Chinese companies such as Baidu, Hongqi, and WeRide have also embarked on similar autonomous driving projects. Moreover, a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and Chinese firm SAIC recently introduced their own Level 2 autonomous driving software. This dynamic landscape underscores a competitive atmosphere as multiple players vie to lead the autonomous vehicle market.
Defining Autonomous Levels
Understanding the differences in automation levels is crucial. According to the SAE International driving automation standards:
- Level 3: The vehicle can manage all aspects of driving within certain conditions, but a human driver must be ready to take control when prompted.
- Level 4 and 5: These levels signify full autonomy, where human intervention is not required under any circumstances.
Mercedes’ Strategic Implementation
In December, Mercedes gained approval to test Level 3 autonomous driving in China, and the company is committed to a "minimal-risk strategy" in implementing fully driverless vehicles. This cautious and measured approach aims to ensure safety and reliability across various driving conditions.
Highlighting Technological Advances
As Mercedes-Benz transitions to testing higher levels of autonomy, it’s worth noting the advancements made by other stakeholders in the sector. Tesla’s FSD Supervised, while still at Level 2, leverages extensive real-world data for continuous improvement. Each user interaction contributes to refining the system, with the long-term goal of achieving higher levels of autonomy.
Conclusion
The approval for Mercedes-Benz to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles in China marks a significant benchmark in the global autonomous driving industry. As multiple automakers—including local giants and international companies—race to innovate, the landscape of self-driving technology continues to evolve rapidly.
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William Kouch, Editor of EV News for automotive.fyi
