Posted on 01/27/2023 5:17:31 PM PST by algore
Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT self-certified in state of Nevada for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving DRIVE PILOT available in the U.S. for model year 2024 S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in the second half of 2023
Mercedes-Benz is the world's first automotive company to bring SAE Level 31 conditionally automated driving to the U.S., with Nevada being the first state to confirm the compliance of the system with state regulations. This significant milestone sets the ground-breaking Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system apart as the first and only SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle authorized for use on U.S. public freeways. Complying with the requirements of Nevada Chapter 482A for Autonomous Vehicles, DRIVE PILOT will allow the driver to hand over the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under certain conditions. Mercedes-Benz has the ambition to continue to expand to California later this year with the certification documents already filed with state authorities. DRIVE PILOT will be available in the U.S. market as an option for model year 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in the second half of 2023.
"In the modern world, time is one of the most precious commodities, and giving back time to our customers is a core element in our strategy to build the world's most desirable cars. Our DRIVE PILOT takes a major step forward in achieving that, and places us at the very forefront of innovation in the crucially important field of automated driving. DRIVE PILOT demonstrates once more that our pioneering spirit is part of our DNA. Certification in Nevada marks the start of its international rollout and, with it, the dawning of a new era."
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Development and Procurement.
On suitable freeway sections and where there is high traffic density, DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the dynamic driving task, up to the speed of 40 mph. The control buttons needed for this are located in the steering wheel rim, on the left and right above the thumb recesses. Once conditions are suitable, the system indicates availability on the control buttons. When the driver activates DRIVE PILOT, the system controls the speed and distance, and effortlessly guides the vehicle within its lane. The route profile, events occurring on the route and traffic signs are correspondingly taken into consideration. The system also reacts to unexpected traffic situations and handles them independently, e.g. by evasive maneuvers within the lane or by braking maneuvers.
"An unwavering commitment to innovation has consistently guided Mercedes-Benz from the very beginning. It is a very proud moment for everyone to continue this leadership and celebrate this monumental achievement as the first automotive company to be certified for Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the U.S. market."
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA.
I’ve lived in ATL for +4.5 decades. The constant on ATL highways in that time period?
Faded lane markers and construction.
I’d like a car that could go park itself or just drive around the block until needed again.
I’d like to see one of these cars successfully deal with potholes.
Two buttons must be pressed at the same time using both hands on the steering wheel? They just exceeded the intellectual capacity of 90% of drivers. In other words, it's designed as part of a gizmo package to help sell the car, like a sunroof, but won't actually be used very much, and will stop working and require a $3,000 repair to fix.
the first this auto-car slaughters some innocent pedestrian, their family will wind up owning BMW ...
oops ... that should be Bentz, NOT BMW ...
I am so not impressed with an SAE Level 3 car. I’ve made the case to my clients for years that automated vehicles are not only useless unless they operate at full SAE Level 5, but they are probably more dangerous than a vehicle with no automation.
Mercedes-Ben’s didn’t achieve any great breakthroughs with this development. The technology for SAE Level 3 automation has been out there for a long time. It’s just that almost every other car manufacturer recognizes the serious limitations and legal exposure they’re dealing with at Level 3 automation.
In about another 20 years when this stuff really goes mainstream I will not care any more as I will likely be retired.
my x-boss totaled 2 minivans hitting deer.
I gave her some deer whistles, and no more dead deer as farbas I know thankfully.
In the future I see a Mercedes and a Tesla both on auto pilot crashing into each other... : )
I am on my 2nd Benz and will not have another - one of the most disappointing things is the programming glitches in the computer systems - and even a S450 developed rattles after 10K miles...
Being with one’s children is an opportunity. The elderly need care not preprogrammed wheelchairs and stoners have bigger problems than getting from a to b.
My friend’s deer whistles? She claimed they called them.
Not sure where the sensors are located but yesterday mine were covered with snow, activating the blind spot warning on the mirror all the way home.
My Subaru?
Had constant window problems for the first year.
Would go up then come back down.
I stood there and looked at the rep and said quietly...you know this is 40 year old technology...
There are ads now on TV for GMC pickups with hands off capability. Under what SAE rule are those trucks permitted?
What is the difference between that and SAE rule 31?
Yeah, but if you factor in percentage-per-vehicle-interaction, moose are much worse. Most folks can still walk/drive away from a deer collision.
No arguments there!
Only if it isn't one of those many, many major announcements/results that, over the past 60 years, have never been repeatable and, consequently, disappeared...
Most us wouldn’t want one, but we will be sharing the road with these. Scary.
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