The automotive industry and everything that goes with it has been on the rise in China for years, and so has autonomous driving. Leaders in the development of autonomous driving, although in strained relations with the EU, have allowed Mercedes-Benz to test self-driving cars with level four autonomy in this country.

Mercedes-Benz got permission to test cars with level 3 autonomy in China late last year, and the new permission is a big deal for the manufacturer as their test self-driving cars are now allowed to move in most situations without the need for humans to take control. The focus will be on U-turns, lane changes and driving in roundabouts, as well as driving at toll booths in Beijing.

Of course, Mercedes is not the only one testing self-driving cars with level four autonomy in China, as Baidu, Hongqi and WeRide are already doing it, but it is the first foreign company with this permission. However, that could soon change, as Tesla is working on getting full approval for its Full Self-Driving system in this country, which should be completed by the end of the year.

They previously received tentative approvals to test 10 cars with the FSD software in June, but it should be noted that the FSD software is considered second-level autonomy, which means that drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times and constantly monitor the situation. Tesla’s approach is unique because every driver using FSD actually helps improve the system through real-world testing.

Also, other companies like GM and SAIC, which launched Level 2 autonomy software last month, are trying to get their share of the pie, but the competition is getting tougher.

Source: Mercedes-Benz