Mercedes-Benz Wins Approval for Level 4 Autonomous-Driving Tests in Beijing

By Jiahui Huang

Mercedes-Benz Group has won permission to test fully autonomous driving technology in Beijing, making it the first foreign automaker eligible to roll out such trials in China.

The German automaker was recently granted approval to test so-called Level 4 autonomous-driving technology on city roads and freeways in Beijing, it said on its WeChat account.

Level 4 autonomous driving is considered fully automated, with no human intervention required to drive the vehicle, although a driver can still take control if desired. Mercedes last year won Beijing's approval for Level 3 testing, considered highly automated driving in which a driver might be required to take control in some situations.

The new approval means Mercedes can test its sensors and software systems for advanced autonomous-driving features, such as parking in busy urban areas, taking U-turns and turning left without supervision, among others. On highways, it can also test switching lanes to avoid a slowing car ahead and passing through toll booths.

China has been ramping up efforts to develop autonomous driving. Authorities in June approved nine Chinese automakers, including BYD, NIO and Chongqing Changan Automobile, to test Level 3 and Level 4 technology on certain roads, and last month selected 20 cities to build out infrastructure in support of the technology.

China's leaders in Level 4 autonomous driving include Baidu, Pony.ai and WeRide.

Tesla's full-service driving feature is considered Level 2 technology, or partially automated, since it requires driver supervision. Chief Executive Elon Musk said last month that he expects China to approve use of FSD by the end of the year.

Write to Jiahui Huang at jiahui.huang@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 06, 2024 05:34 ET (09:34 GMT)

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