As part of its initiative to accelerate the development of future automated driving technologies for passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz has announced a partnership with the leading global automotive technology company Luminar Technologies.
According to a press release from Mercedes-Benz, a central component of this is the optimal access to new technologies and global competencies.
The intent of this partnership is to leverage the foundational lidar technology from Luminar to industrialise and integrate it into series production Mercedes-Benz vehicles. By shortening development cycles and strengthening technology partnerships, Mercedes-Benz ensures that its vehicles have the most up-to-date technologies.
Mercedes-Benz will enable Luminar with a data-driven development approach for continuous product improvement and updates as part of the partnership.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement, “Luminar is the perfect addition to our existing roster of first-class cooperations with leading and cutting–edge tech companies. Mercedes-Benz’s achievement of SAE Level-3 already marked a huge milestone for automated driving, and I am absolutely convinced that partnerships will increase our level of ambition for what is possible in future. Cooperation is an essential part of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy. Therefore, I am highly delighted to have Austin Russell and Luminar on board for our journey.”
Austin Russell, Founder and CEO, Luminar, said, “Mercedes-Benz has always been a technological leader and first mover for the industry, with the brand synonymous with automotive innovation, safety, luxury, and quality.