Google isn`t the only company out to capitalize on the self-driving trend which is slowly being adapted and adopted for all manner of vehicles. Even some more mainstream cars can be left to their own devices on the highway, and while you just relax, and do something else, entrusting your safety to the car's sensors and electronic brain.
Now, after Google, German auto parts supplier Continental has also received a license to test self-driving vehicles, in the state of Nevada, in the US. It is the second such license to be granted by the local DMV, yet it is surely not the last.
Dr. Elmar Degenhart, Chairman of the Executive Board at Continental said: “At Continental, we continue to invest in research and development for next generation technologies – such as our highly automated vehicle – that will drive us toward a safer, more efficient and more comfortable future.”
They are well aware of the potential of the technology, and with their ‘highly automated vehicle’, they don`t seem to be that far behind Google. Dagenhard added: “We will be able to develop the first applications for highly and ultimately fully automated driving, even at higher speeds and in more complex driving situations, ready for production by 2020 or 2025.”
Keep in mind that highly automated does not mean fully-autonomous, and the Continental test vehicle still requires a driver present and aware at all times. However, it is a stepping stone to a fully-autonomous vehicle, which will undoubtedly make an appearance soon.
Dr. Elmar Degenhart, Chairman of the Executive Board at Continental said: “At Continental, we continue to invest in research and development for next generation technologies – such as our highly automated vehicle – that will drive us toward a safer, more efficient and more comfortable future.”
They are well aware of the potential of the technology, and with their ‘highly automated vehicle’, they don`t seem to be that far behind Google. Dagenhard added: “We will be able to develop the first applications for highly and ultimately fully automated driving, even at higher speeds and in more complex driving situations, ready for production by 2020 or 2025.”
Keep in mind that highly automated does not mean fully-autonomous, and the Continental test vehicle still requires a driver present and aware at all times. However, it is a stepping stone to a fully-autonomous vehicle, which will undoubtedly make an appearance soon.
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