Mercedes-Benz Breaks Ground with Level 3 Automated Driving System Approval in Beijing

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Mercedes-Benz has marked a significant milestone by becoming one of the initial automakers to secure approval for a Level 3 automated driving road test license in Beijing. Since 2021, the company has been actively conducting proving ground tests for its conditionally automated driving systems in China.

The global automotive giant seamlessly integrates its extensive international research and development experience with a dedicated local team in China. Through collaboration with local partners and a meticulous adaptation to regional regulations, Mercedes-Benz tailors its products to meet the specific needs of the Chinese market.

In December 2021, Mercedes-Benz achieved a groundbreaking feat by receiving the world’s first internationally valid system approval for conditionally automated driving. The DRIVE PILOT, part of the Level 3 system, has been available in Germany since May 2022, featured in the S-Class and EQS sedan.

On December 16, the company solidified its commitment to innovation by obtaining approval for the Level 3 automated driving highway road test license in Beijing. Mercedes-Benz is set to initiate testing on designated highways, ensuring adherence to its ‘safety first’ principle. The collaboration with relevant authorities underscores the company’s dedication to developing Level 3 systems for China and delivering a secure and reliable automated driving experience for Chinese customers.

Mercedes-Benz has a longstanding history as a pioneer in automated driving, dating back to 1986 with adaptive cruise control testing. Today, it stands as the only car manufacturer globally with both the first internationally valid system approval for conditionally automated driving and a SAE Level 4 driverless parking system in operation. In China, the company has been conducting Level 3 system tests for years.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, expressed the company’s commitment to providing a superior customer experience worldwide. He emphasized the importance of the testing license in Beijing as a crucial step in preparing conditionally automated driving for Chinese roads.

The Level 3 system, DRIVE PILOT, incorporates redundant safety measures for reliability. It utilizes sensor technology from the Driving Assistance Package, augmented with additional sensors such as LiDAR, advanced stereo cameras, microphones for emergency vehicle signals, and a moisture sensor. Redundant steering and braking systems, along with an onboard electrical system, ensure maneuverability and a safe handover to the driver in case of system failure.

The activated DRIVE PILOT allows drivers to engage in secondary activities, such as communication via In-Car Office, web browsing, or leisure activities like watching a movie. Mercedes-Benz introduced DRIVE PILOT as an optional conditionally automated driving system in Germany in 2022, with plans for customer deliveries in California and Nevada in early 2024.

Mercedes-Benz takes a step-by-step approach to system design, prioritizing safety. The company aims to expand the availability of conditionally automated driving on freeways to up to 130 km/h by the end of the decade. In the interim, Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce intermediate steps, including a system capable of 90 km/h when following a vehicle on the German highway.

The localization of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the Chinese market involves close collaboration with the local R&D team. This interdisciplinary team of engineers, lawyers, compliance managers, data protection experts, and ethics experts works together for the development and approval of the conditionally automated driving system. Proving ground testing and validation in China have been ongoing since 2021 to optimize system performance for China’s unique road infrastructure, traffic conditions, and regulatory environment.

Since 2005, Mercedes-Benz has expanded its R&D capabilities in China, establishing a comprehensive network outside of Germany. The China R&D team is expected to grow to 2,000 people by the end of 2023, reflecting the company’s commitment to local talent and collaborative innovation.

In the realm of automated driving, Mercedes-Benz continues its collaboration with local authorities to bring innovative technologies to Chinese customers, contributing to the development of intelligent connected vehicles in China. The company’s forward-looking approach positions it as a leader in the automated driving technology landscape, dedicated to providing a safe and reliable driving experience for customers worldwide.

Courtesy : https://media.mercedes-benz.com

Hyundai’s 2024 Elantra and Tucson Earn IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ Awards, Setting a New Standard in Crashworthiness

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Hyundai-2024-Elantra-Tucson
Hyundai-2024-Elantra-Tucson

In a significant safety achievement, Hyundai proudly announces that the 2024 Elantra and Tucson have been honored with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) awards, the organization’s highest safety rating. This recognition is a testament to both vehicles meeting the IIHS’ latest and most rigorous crashworthiness evaluations, showcasing Hyundai’s dedication to advancing driver and pedestrian safety standards.

Brian Latouf, the Global Chief Safety Officer at Hyundai Motor Company, expresses enthusiasm about this accomplishment for the recently refreshed Elantra sedan and Tucson compact SUV. Hyundai’s commitment to enhancing safety engineering is evident in achieving the more-stringent TSP+ testing requirements implemented by IIHS. Notably, Hyundai now holds five TSP+ awards (2023 Palisade, 2023 IONIQ 6, 2024 Tucson, Elantra, and IONIQ 5) and one TSP (2023 Sonata/Sonata HEV) for the 2023 IIHS vehicle ratings.

Hyundai-2024-Elantra-Tucson

To qualify for the prestigious TSP+ in 2023, a vehicle must secure “Good” ratings in various crash tests, including driver-side and passenger-side small overlap fronts, original moderate overlap fronts, and updated side tests. Standard “Acceptable” or “Good” headlights across all trims and an advanced front-crash prevention system with “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings in both daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations are essential criteria.

According to IIHS, both the Elantra and Tucson boast a standard front crash prevention system, achieving Superior ratings in daytime pedestrian tests and an Advanced rating in the nighttime evaluation for Tucson, along with a Superior rating for Elantra. This recognition underscores Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to raising the bar for automotive safety standards.

Courtesy : https://www.hyundainews.com

Mercedes-Benz Redefines Luxury with MBUX Virtual Assistant at CES 2024

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Mercedes-Benz-AI

Mercedes-Benz is ushering in a new era of luxury with the debut of its AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant at CES 2024. This groundbreaking technology takes the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant to new heights, introducing high-resolution game-engine graphics from Unity for a visually immersive experience. Operating on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System MB.OS, the MBUX Virtual Assistant seamlessly integrates intelligent systems into a unified entity, offering a natural and expressive interaction with users.

Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, highlights the brand’s commitment to reinventing the digital passenger experience. The MBUX Virtual Assistant goes beyond mere functionality, incorporating empathetic characteristics that synchronize with the driver’s style and mood. This innovative approach, coupled with the in-house MB.OS architecture, sets the stage for the future of digital luxury.

At CES 2024, the Concept CLA Class makes its North American premiere, providing insights into the future family of vehicles based on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) and MB.OS. The event also showcases the North American debut of the camouflaged prototype of the electric G-Class, offering a glimpse into the electric future of this iconic model. Exciting developments in in-car entertainment, including a groundbreaking partnership, further enhance the CES 2024 experience.

For a firsthand look at these defining moments, visit Mercedes-Benz at booth #4941 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Courtesy : https://media.mercedes-benz.com

Nissan Serena Minivan Captures Top Honors as Technology Car of the Year in 2023-2024 Japan Car Awards

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Nissan Serena
Nissan Serena

Nissan Serena minivan has secured the prestigious Technology Car of the Year accolade in the 2023-2024 Japan Car of the Year awards. This triumph follows last year’s victory for the Nissan X-Trail.

The award highlights the Nissan Serena’s commitment to its product pledge, “Serena is more than a thing, it is a memory.” The recognition is attributed to the exceptional evaluation of numerous supporting technologies. The top-grade model boasts ProPILOT 2.0, enabling hands-off single-lane driving on highways. Meticulously designed aerodynamics enhance the Nissan Serena’s resistance to crosswinds, and the newly developed 3-cylinder 1.4-liter engine for e-POWER has also received high praise.

Courtesy : https://global.nissannews.com

McLaren’s 60th Anniversary: A Tribute in Innovation and Style Across the Road Car Line-Up

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McLaren is set to mark its 60th anniversary with a special range of options available for all new series-production models. This celebratory package includes distinctive exterior and interior features paying homage to McLaren’s historic ‘Triple Crown’ achievement in motorsport. Available on GT, Artura, and the 750S supercar, these options commemorate McLaren’s victories in the Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The package offers three exterior paint colors inspired by the winning cars, exclusive Triple Crown Stripes for the 750S, 60th Anniversary brake caliper colors, and interior details reflecting the iconic victories. This special edition, available for orders placed within a year from November 2023, adds a touch of heritage and exclusivity to McLaren’s renowned series-production road car lineup.

Courtesy : https://cars.mclaren.press