Beijing Lets Mercedes Test Level 4 Self-Driving Autos on Its Roads

(Bloomberg) — Mercedes-Benz AG said it has become the first international auto brand allowed to test advanced autonomous driving in Beijing at a time when carmakers are racing to develop the technology.

The approval will let Mercedes start trials of its Level 4 self-driving capabilities on Beijing’s highways and urban roads. Level 4 means the vehicle can perform all driving tasks within certain conditions and with human override still an option. Some of the maneuvers to be tested include parking, reversing and turning left in busy traffic without the driver intervening, according to a statement published Aug. 2 on the company’s WeChat account.