First In The World, Honda Obtained A License To Produce Level 3 Self-driving Cars

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JAKARTA - In the future, autonomous or self-driving cars are the most anticipated. And Honda intends to venture into the world of self-driving cars.

Please note, autonomous cars have their own levels in the industry from level 0 to 5. For example, Tesla is considered a level 2 autonomous car. Meanwhile, Honda will make an autonomous car at level 3, the first in the world.

Autonomous cars can drive themselves, but they still need a human behind the wheel. They can also steer, brake and accelerate on their own.

Honda is now targeting to mass produce level 3 autonomous vehicles by the end of March 2021 in the form of the Honda Legend. Also equipped with a system called Traffic Jam Pilot.

"Honda plans to launch sales of the Honda Legend equipped with the newly approved (Traffic Jam Pilot) automatic propulsion equipment before the end of the current fiscal year. And this is the first in the world for an automaker to receive a type designation for level 3 autonomy," he said. Honda spokesman was quoted as saying by Japan Today, Thursday 12 November.

The good news is that the Japanese government has awarded Honda Traffic Jam Pilots a safety certification, meaning that the company is one step closer to bringing Level 3 autonomous vehicles onto the road.

"Self-driving cars are expected to play a major role in solving various social problems faced by our country, such as reducing traffic accidents, securing transportation for the elderly and others, and increasing productivity in the logistics sector," said the Ministry of Land, Transportation and Tourism. Japan.

Unfortunately, this autonomous car project will only be available in Japan as different countries have different rules and regulations regarding driverless cars.

Several automakers have produced vehicles with level 3 autonomy capability, but few countries have a legal framework to permit their sale and use.

However, if Honda could prove that their Level 3 autonomous vehicle was safe for use on public roads, it might get governments in other countries to agree.