Self-Driving Cars to Hit German Roads

MOSCOW, January 26 (Sputnik) – The German government said it will convert part of the A9 Autobahn in Bavaria into a test ground for self-driving cars, Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Monday, the Local reports.

Dobrindt said the first steps of the “Digital Testing Ground Autobahn” project will start this year. According to the Transport Minister, the project will equip the road with infrastructure that will allow self-driving cars to communicate with each other and the autobahn via sensors, RT reports.

“Cars with assisted driving and later fully-automated cars will be able to drive there,” Dobrindt said, as quoted by the Local. He also added that the German car industry will not rely on Google Inc., the current leader in the field, to manufacture their own self-driving cars.

Self-driving cars rely on technologies that collect, communicate and interpret data via Internet. Dobrindt said he wants to invest federal funds to boost German internet infrastructure and offer high-speed connection even to rural areas.

“Germany is achieving the greatest momentum among EU countries in extending its networks. That’s how we’ll outperform our European neighbors,” Dobrindt said, as cited by the Local.

Audi showcased its self-driving car during the latest Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The next-generation Audi A8 featured a fully-autonomous driving system that the German company claimed is better than most drivers, the Australian reported.