Porsche is entering the self-driving arena, announcing a partnership with Mobileye, an autonomous driving company that used to work with Tesla. The partnership aims to bring advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to Porsche’s future models.
Mobileye’s SuperVision technology platform will serve as the basis for the ADAS systems, allowing Porsche vehicles to navigate routes, change lanes, and automatically overtake slower vehicles on multilane roads. SuperVision uses a series of cameras and radar to perceive the surrounding environment, with Michael Steiner, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche and Head of Development at the Volkswagen Group suggesting that the system will allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, as long as they remain visually alert.
“In most situations, drivers will continue to want to drive a Porsche themselves in the future — and will be able to do so at any time. This said, there are certain aspects of partially automated driving that we are interested in. Intelligent systems like Mobileye SuperVision technology can aid the driver in everyday situations, for example by not having to keep their hands on the wheel the entire time in traffic jams,” said Steiner.
While Porsche did not specify which future models would feature the SuperVision system, other VW Group brands are expected to be able to adopt the platform solution. The German automaker did not provide a timeline for when the first models will launch with the new ADAS system.
Oliver Blume, chairman of the executive board of Porsche, said that “Mobileye is one of the world’s leading providers of automated driving functions. This technology will help us forge ahead with our strategy of modern, sporty luxury. We are combining an outstanding product with a highly personal experience. The desires and lifestyles of our customers are important to us. We want to exceed expectations again and again.”
Porsche’s move to partner with Mobileye comes after its parent company Volkswagen ended its investment in autonomous vehicle technology company Argo AI last year, resulting in the startup’s shutdown.
