A modified Mercedes-Benz E-Class has become the Middle East’s first vehicle to drive automated on a major highway.
The test drive on E11 highway from Dubai to Abu Dhabi was held on November 4 in collaboration with the Road Transport Authority, and followed all safety rules and regulations.
Engineers from the German car manufacturer applied specific software modifications to the drive pilot control unit to make the E-Class drive highly automated. With its intelligent sensor fusion technology, the system allowed a smooth automated drive by controlling the distance to the vehicle in front and detecting road markings as well as surrounding vehicles.
Abdulla Al Maeeni, director general, Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority said they were keen to drive the vision of green development and shape the mobility sector by supporting new technologies and creating national standards that attract investments and enhance trade in the area.
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“Through our collaboration with lead vehicle manufacturers, autonomous vehicles can achieve amazing results including assuring the highest level of road safety, reducing financial loses and preserving the environment,” he said.
Mark De Haes, president & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East said the test drive constitutes a major step towards the vision of autonomous driving.
The new application was developed for testing purposes and is not a standard feature of the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz said.
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