Daimler Eases Into Driverless Technology With New Mercedes-Benz E Class
Editors' pick: Originally published July 8.
Daimler's (DDAIF) latest Mercedes-Benz E Class sedan will reach the U.S. shortly, featuring a suite of advanced autonomous gear as rising scrutiny of driverless technology engulfs Tesla Motors (TSLA) - Get Report following a fatal accident in Florida involving a Tesla Model S sedan.
The new E Class, the 10th generation of the model, using radar and cameras pointed 360 degrees around the car, can steer, accelerate and brake on its own, according to reviews by journalists that have driven test vehicles provided by Daimler. It also will change lanes after the turn signal is activated for more than two seconds.
The sedan's adaptive cruise control is rated to follow a vehicle ahead of it at up to 130 miles per hour, the automaker claims, far in excess of any speed limits in the U.S., though appropriate to German autobahns where high speeds are legal. Starting at about $52,000, the current model of the E Class sold 16,155 copies through June 30 in the U.S., down 16.5% from a year ago, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Other features, such as remote summoning from a parking garage, are available on E Class sedans in Europe, though not yet in the U.S. because, according to Daimler, U.S. regulators are still pondering whether to permit them.
Daimler executives are at pains, perhaps more so than ever, to emphasize that the latest technology primarily reduces stress on the driver, rather than taking over tasks completely. Tesla similarly has required buyers of its Autopilot technology, which is in beta or testing status, to confirm that they understand they must remain in control of the vehicle at all times.
"All these things work together, and, in a sense, they're eyes and ears supplementing the eyes and ears of the driver," Bart Herring, a Mercedes-Benz manager of product development, told Automotive News. "It's some really great technology to not only keep you safe but to keep you comfortable -- because what we've found is a stress-free driver is actually a better driver."
The May 7 accident, in which a Tesla Model S struck a semi-trailer attempting to make a turn on a divided Florida highway, killing the car's driver, has prompted an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA this week opened a second investigation of a crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike involving a Tesla Model X SUV.
Media commentators are divided as to who should be assigned responsibility for accidents such as the one in Florida -- the maker of the software or the driver for improper use. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has pointed out that, in statistical terms, a driver using Autopilot is safer than a typical driver. Mark Rechtin, automotive editor for Consumer Reports, said the name of Tesla's feature is inherently misleading since it implies the car can drive itself.
Clearly, some drivers are confused or taking unwarranted risks. An unconfirmed report asserted that the driver of the Tesla Model S may have been watching a movie and therefore couldn't react to avert a collision. Numerous YouTube videos show Tesla drivers using the feature, including some snoozing and otherwise paying little attention while their cars seem to drive themselves.
With a longer auto industry history and more experience contending with product liability cases, Daimler is sure to be watching as the U.S. considers how to supervise the growing phenomenon of cars that almost -- but not quite -- drive themselves.
Doron Levin is the host of "In the Driver Seat," broadcast on SiriusXM Insight 121, Saturday at noon, encore Sunday at 9 a.m.
This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.