China EVs: why BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz are revving up L3 autonomous driving tech investments
- BMW has joined fellow rivals in announcing the development of an L3 autonomous driving system for China, with plans launch it later this year or early 2024
- Electric cars with safe and reliable autonomous driving systems will enjoy an advantage over their competitors, analysts say
Global marques from BMW to Volkswagen and Chinese EV start-ups such as Xpeng and Jidu are increasing investment into driverless technology that could enable cars to navigate their way autonomously on city streets.
“China is by far the global leader in developing self-driving cars due to drivers’ and passengers’ rising penchant for the technology,” said Chen Jinzhu, chief executive of consultancy firm Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service. “But the reality is that international carmakers are trying to catch up with Chinese domestic players in terms of car navigation software.”
BMW announced on Thursday its China research and development team was developing an level 3 (L3) autonomous driving system for the mainland market and planned to get it ready for commercial use later this year or early 2024.
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It comes after German rival Mercedes-Benz said in February that it was testing its proprietary L3 system.