The technology’s adoption has been hampered by several obstacles.
Audi first revealed the fourth-generation Audi A8, which is on sale today. The company also announced that it would offer it with Level 3- semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The technology was first released in 2002, but Audi has yet to use it. According to Automotive News, the company has “rejected plans to introduce” this tech, which Audi calls Traffic Jam Pilot to its A8 luxury sedan.
Audi presented the technology before regulators approved it and promised to activate it in appropriate markets where such tech is legal. According to the publication, regulators are still stuck and there is no consensus on how regulation should be done for the basic Level 3 semi-autonomous driver system. The Level 3 system is designed to allow drivers to use the system without having to look at the road. However, the driver may need to step in if the situation requires.
Audi has also faced challenges. According to sources, corporate lawyers have been suspicious of the technology. This shifts liability from the driver to Audi when the system engages. Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler, Audi Technical Development boss, stated that Level 3 systems have “subsided substantially”. If the system was piloting the car in an accident, Audi will be responsible.
Some automakers have decided to skip Level 3 entirely, such as Volvo, whose CEO called it “unsafe”. Without Audi’s Level 3 tech coming soon, the next step for autonomous cars could be from Mercedes and BMW with their S-Class or iNext. This tech will continue to improve incrementally, until cars no longer have pedals or a steering wheel.