Stellantis has announced plans to launch its hands-free Level 3 autonomous driving system in 2024. The system is being developed in partnership with BMW, which plans to launch their own Level 3 self-driving system next year.
The announcement came during an online presentation on Tuesday by Joachim Langenwalter, the Stellantis head of artificial intelligence, software and hardware.
“The first Level 3 solution will come in 2024 before rolling out across the full portfolio in the years to come,” he said. (via Automotive News)
As noted by Langenwalter, the system will initially not be deployed to their entire portfolio of 14 automotive brands. He did not specify which would be the first to receive it, although it is likely to go to their premium brands first.
The system, called STLA AutoDrive, is part of the company’s plans to launch three new software platforms in the coming years.
STLA Brain, which is set to launch in 2024, is a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that will be able to update over-the-air (OTA) to Level 3 capabilities.
STLA SmartCockpit, developed in partnership with Foxconn, will feature navigation and voice control functions, as well as an application store and payment services.
“With the three all-new AI-powered technology platforms to arrive in 2024, deployed across the four STLA vehicle platforms, we will leverage the speed and agility associated with the decoupling of hardware and software cycles,” said Stellantis’s CEO, Carlos Tavares.
The company is betting on this new technology and other subscription-based software features to be a major contributor to their bottom line. Stellantis says by 2030 they expect to generate €20 billion in annual revenues.
