[Interview] Mercedes-Benz CTO: "Secured Level 3 Autonomous Vehicle Test License in China"

Virtual Interview Held at Shanghai Motor Show on the 23rd

"Mercedes-Benz has also secured a license to test Level 3 autonomous vehicles in China and is preparing accordingly. We believe that Level 3 vehicles will be commercialized in China more quickly than we initially expected."

Markus Schafer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz, made this statement during a virtual interview with the Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) reporters attending the Shanghai Motor Show in China on the 23rd (local time). CTO Schafer said, "We expect the Chinese government to revise regulations related to Level 3 autonomous vehicles within the next 12 months," and added, "I also believe that Level 3 vehicles will become more widespread globally."

He emphasized that Mercedes-Benz has already introduced Level 3 autonomous vehicles in Europe and the United States two years ago, stating, "Currently, activation is possible at a driving speed of 95 km/h, but we are continuously increasing the speed, and there will be many more changes in the future."

CTO Schafer described Level 3 autonomous driving technology as a "revolutionary change," explaining, "With Level 3 technology, responsibility related to the vehicle shifts from the driver to the car itself, making it a very important stage in this fundamental transformation."

Markus Schafer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz. Provided by Korea Automobile Journalists Association

Regarding the electric vehicle battery supply chain, he mentioned that Mercedes-Benz is securing a diverse range of supply chains and is generally pursuing localization of the supply chain as much as possible based on the production location. He said, "When producing various models, we are pursuing a strategy to source as much as possible within the region," and explained, "Diversifying suppliers is part of promoting competition to provide customers with the best technology at the best price."

Regarding the long-wheelbase version of the CLA electric vehicle, which was unveiled for the first time in the world at the Shanghai Motor Show, he expressed confidence, calling it "the most powerful electric vehicle currently available in the world." The CLA electric vehicle boasts a driving range of 866 km on a single charge, according to Chinese certification standards.

This vehicle will be equipped not only with lithium-ion batteries but also with LFP batteries. On this point, CTO Schafer said, "Certification has not yet been completed, but in the case of the LFP battery, a 58 kWh battery will be installed, and the driving range will far exceed 500 km." He continued, "As you know, most automakers depend on China for the supply of LFP batteries," suggesting the possibility of sourcing through Chinese battery manufacturers.

Finally, regarding Mercedes-Benz's strategy for the Chinese market in the era of electrification, he said the company will strengthen collaboration with the local ecosystem and research and development (R&D) in China, while also conducting fundamental research outside the country. CTO Schafer emphasized, "It is important to operate factories or service networks with R&D capabilities within China to respond quickly to local developments," and added, "In addition, we are continuing fundamental research through R&D centers in Germany, Korea, and other countries to surpass the technologies currently available in China."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.