ACEA releases state-of-the-art recommendations for vehicle automation

Industry Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly mention an investment rating for the industry [1][2][3] Core Viewpoints - The European automotive industry is making steady progress in developing automated vehicles, with significant investments yielding results [3] - Automation in mobility is expected to bring tangible benefits to European society, including lower transport costs, reduced environmental impact, improved working conditions, and better-served transport needs [3] - Supporting R&D in automation will enable European firms to remain competitive in the future of transport and encourage high-quality connectivity [3] - The roadmap aims to help European policymakers and stakeholders navigate the transition to automated mobility [3] Levels of Automated Driving - Assisted driving includes basic systems that recommend actions to drivers or provide additional sensory perception (e g blind spot detection) [3] - Advanced active safety systems intervene automatically, faster, and more reliably than humans (e g automated emergency braking systems) [3] - Automated driving technology can perform all dynamic driving tasks in specific scenarios (e g autopilot function for motorways) [3] - Autonomous driving aims to enable the vehicle to handle the full driving experience without human input [3] Uses of Automated Driving Technology - Highly automated heavy trucks can carry freight over medium and long distances, optimizing routing and scheduling for efficiency [5] - Commercial vehicles in confined areas (e g harbours, airports) allow for earlier adoption of self-driving technology due to controlled environments [5] - Automated last-mile delivery can alleviate strain on road networks and businesses caused by increased online shopping demand [5] - Automated passenger services can provide crucial mobility services, especially for people with disabilities and the elderly [5] - Automated valet parking systems save time, enhance safety, reduce energy consumption, and optimize parking space usage [6] - Private vehicles on highways are evolving from assisted driving to full automation, with each development stage lasting around a decade [6] - Hub-to-hub freight transport can operate on request around the clock, reducing wasteful trips and improving traffic flow [7] Benefits of Automated Mobility - Innovation capabilities: Cutting-edge research and engineering create and retain know-how in Europe, attracting a highly skilled workforce [10] - Competitiveness: Automated mobility allows Europe to leverage public-private cooperation and balance intelligent infrastructure with intelligent vehicles [11] - Workforce and skills: Automation can address the shortage of commercial vehicle drivers and improve working conditions [12] - Sustainability: Optimal vehicle usage leads to less congestion, lower speeds, and more efficient transport operations [13] - Road safety and comfort: Automated systems reduce human error, react faster, and remain vigilant, enhancing safety and comfort [14] - Accessibility and inclusion: Automation provides new mobility solutions for those with reduced mobility, improving access to healthcare and work [15] Recommendations for Deploying Automated Vehicles - Foster R&D in automated driving technologies and standards [17] - Simplify national and cross-border pre-deployment testing of automated systems on open roads across the EU [17] - Upgrade, adapt, and harmonise digital infrastructure for automated driving [18] - Establish European minimum standards for high-quality physical road infrastructure [18] - Update and harmonise road traffic rules to allow for high-level automation [18] - Cooperate with the industry on guidelines for remote vehicle supervision [18] - Grant access to public traffic data [18] - Update Europe's type-approval scheme to remove restrictions on automated vehicle registrations [19] - Expand the number of automated vehicle applications allowed in Europe [19] - Support the adoption and harmonisation of national operation, licensing, and traffic regulation [19] - Foster harmonisation of legislation on a global scale [19] - Create a European funding scheme for automated passenger and freight services [19] - Inform and establish a dialogue with the general public and future drivers and passengers of automated vehicles [20] - Adapt labour regulations for commercial vehicle drivers and operators [20] Roadmap - Commercial operation for each use case will start within the indicated time range (2022-2030) [21][22]