The German manufacturer BMW Group (BMWG.DE) announced on Thursday that it has obtained a test licence for level 3 autonomous driving on high-speed roads in Shanghai, bringing it one step closer to permitting driverless cars in the biggest auto market in the world.
According to a statement, BMW plans to introduce L3 self-driving technology into its models as soon as possible, compliant with Chinese laws and regulations.
With the new licence, BMW would have more space in Shanghai to test cutting-edge autonomous driving technologies. In 2018, BMW was granted permission to conduct tests on 5.6 km (3.5 miles) of city public roads.
China has been implementing measures to hasten the widespread use of self-driving car technology. China also released safety regulations for the use of driverless cars on public transportation earlier in December.
Additionally, German luxury automaker BMW announced on Monday that, starting on January 1, it will raise the pricing of all of its models by up to 2% in order to partially offset the negative effects of fluctuating foreign currency rates and growing input costs. BMW Group India President Vikram Pawah said in a statement that BMW India decided to impose a price rise throughout the model range in response to a convergence of circumstances.
“In the face of evolving dynamics, fluctuations in exchange rates, and rising input costs, this price adjustment will sustain the crucial balance that allows us to consistently deliver the high standards and power-packed experience our customers associate with BMW vehicles,” he stated.
BMW India offers a selection of high-end cars ranging in price from Rs 2.6 crore to Rs 43.5 lakh, including the BMW XM and the BMW 220i M Sport.
The company’s announcement of raising vehicle pricing in January brings it into the company’s ranks among other passenger vehicle manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Honda, and Audi.
Furthermore, the administration of the Chinese financial hub said that Shanghai authorities informed Microsoft’s visiting president on Tuesday that they want his company to promote artificial intelligence technology to benefit enterprises there.
According to the government, Brad Smith, the vice chair and president of Microsoft, was met by Chen Jining, the secretary of the Communist party of Shanghai.
Chen stated that Shanghai was willing to engage with Microsoft to examine standards and governance frameworks pertaining to technology.
