In a meeting with executives from the auto sector, German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck referred to autonomous driving as a ‘huge opportunity’ for German automakers.
Habeck, a Green who is also the minister of economics, described the technology as a possible boon to the environment, driving comfort, and road safety as well as a chance for manufacturers and the economy.
He stated, “We just need to pick up momentum now and not slow down.” He added that the future of driving will be autonomous sooner or later.
Habeck said, “However, the competition from automakers in the United States and China is immensely tough.” He said, “We have to be the most innovative country.”
The meeting’s main topic was the growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) to driverless vehicles. Car firms provide the data, and manufacturers collaborate on a German government-funded effort.
Habeck said that the safety of autonomous driving would be increased by ‘training’ AI programmes.
The German auto industry has been seeing more and more negative news lately. The low sales figures and hefty expenses associated with the conversion to electric propulsion are posing challenges for manufacturers.
Meanwhile, international business is struggling, particularly in China.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) managing director, Marcus Bollig, stated that the sector is changing due to an increase in digitalization and the use of more environmentally friendly engines.
Bollig underlined that a leading role for the German automobile sector in autonomous and highly automated driving might be a critical factor for success in the future.
