The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a test license in Nevada for autonomous driving. Daimler intends to bring these experiences into the partnership with Uber.
Daimler
As part of their collaboration, Daimler plans to offer self-driving Mercedes-Benz passenger cars on Uber’s global platform, among others. As a result, Daimler would be the first car maker to accept Uber’s offer and supply self-driving vehicles for use on Uber’s service platform.
Both companies indicate that they want to benefit from their partner’s respective know-how in autonomous driving and platform operation. Uber has set up the Advanced Technologies Group, an engineering group for autonomous driving, to test self-driving vehicles on US roads. Uber’s business unit Otto is also working on self-driving trucks. Mercedes sees itself as a pioneer in autonomous driving as well. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the world’s first production vehicle to have been awarded a test licence for autonomous driving in the US state of Nevada. Daimler Trucks has also developed Highway Pilot, a system that enables semi-automated driving. The system functions are currently being tested.
“As the inventor of the automobile, Daimler aims to be a leader in autonomous driving – one of the most fascinating aspects of reinventing mobility”, says Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Mobility service providers offer an ideal platform for autonomous driving technology, and Uber is a leading mobility platform company”, adds Travis Kalanick, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Uber. “Self-driving technology holds the promise of creating cities that are safer, cleaner and more accessible. But we can’t get to that future alone. That’s why we’re opening up the Uber platform to auto manufacturers like Daimler. By combining Daimler’s and Uber’s technological strengths, more people can get access to reliable transportation at the push of a button”.