Daimler is the first international manufacturer to be able to test fully autonomous Mercedes cars on the streets of the Chinese capital, Beijing.
According to Daimler, urban traffic is one of the biggest challenges for autonomous vehicles. Thanks to the approval, test cars can now be tested at level 4 – this level usually does not require human intervention.
Beijing also offers unique and particularly complex urban traffic situations. “Autonomous driving is an important pillar of our global C.A.S.E. strategy, and today’s announcement marks a major step forward in our drive for innovation in China,” said Hubertus Troska, Daimler Board Member responsible for China operations.
On the technical side, Daimler also works together with local partners. For example, the test vehicles have technical applications from Baidu Apollo on board. “Supported by strong local partners, our R & D activities in China are leading to concrete innovations that enable us to achieve sustainable development today and in the future,” says Prof. Dr. med. Hans Georg Engel, Head of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development China.
“The intensified research in the field of automated driving provides an important basis for the further development of this technology, which addresses the particular challenges of the Chinese traffic environment.”
In the run-up, Daimler had to test its vehicles comprehensively in the “National Pilot Zone for Intelligent Mobility” in Beijing and Hebei. In addition, the test drivers had to complete a special training. In addition to China, Daimler is already allowed to test autonomous vehicles on public roads in Germany and the USA.
