- A new report says auto giant Stellantis has put a partial self-driving project “on ice”
- The company continues to zig while rivals zag in tech strategy
Stellantis, parent company of Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and other brands, has reportedly shelved an attempt to develop a system that would let drivers take their hands off the wheel under some circumstances.
Just six months ago, the company released videos of its STLA Auto Drive system working and said it was close to deployment.
Related – Self-Driving Cars: Everything You Need to Know
However, Reuters, citing “three people familiar with the matter,” reports that “the program was put on ice and is not expected to be deployed.” Reuters cites “high costs, technological challenges, and concerns about consumer appetite” for the decision.
Stellantis, in a statement, says only, “There is currently limited market demand, so this has not been launched, but the technology is available and ready to be deployed.”
The statement comes despite a recent prominent study finding high consumer demand for such systems.
Levels of Self-Driving
- Automakers use a framework of five levels to describe their efforts to develop self-driving tech
- STLA Auto Drive was reportedly a rare Level 3 system
Automakers use a framework created by SAE, formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers, to discuss autonomous driving. It sorts driver assistance systems into five levels.
Most automakers today offer a Level 2 system for sale — one that can accelerate, steer, and brake to keep pace with traffic but only if a driver keeps their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The next step — Level 3 — allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and look away from the road, but prompt them to take over in circumstances that confused the system. Just one Level 3 system is legal for use anywhere in the U.S. today.
Mercedes’ Drive Pilot system is legal only in Nevada and California. At this time, Mercedes sells it only in its flagship S-Class and EQS sedans.
Related: First (Not) Drive Video—Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot
Tesla has made advertising claims that make its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system sound like a Level 3 setup, but has admitted in court filings that it is a Level 2 system. It is currently locked in multiple legal disputes over the claims and could lose the right to sell cars in California over the issue.
Many automakers have Level 3 projects. STLA Auto Drive was one of many competing to catch Mercedes.
Stellantis Rapidly Adjusting Strategies
- The company has now defied industry norms several times in recent weeks
This is not the first time, in recent weeks, Stellantis has zigged while the rest of the auto industry zags.
The industry has spent years focused on fuel efficiency and a transition to electric cars. However, Stellantis recently renewed its efforts to build and market powerful gasoline-based V8 engines after the Trump administration stopped enforcing fuel economy rules.
Not long ago, Stellantis threatened to shutter some brands due to financial troubles. Abandoning expensive, high-tech projects and bringing back older technologies like the Hemi V8 could help it recover in the short term.
