Daimler Gets OK for On-Highway Autonomous Testing in Germany

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in Stuttgart, Germany, has given Daimler AG permission to test its autonomous-driving Future Truck on highways in the region, news services reported.

The Mercedes-Benz truck was first demonstrated last year. The vehicle uses similar technology — but is different than — Daimler’s Freightliner Inspiration truck that is licensed to travel in Nevada.

Transport Minister Winfried Hermann said studies show that driver assistance systems, such as those used by Daimler, can help reduce the risk of accidents, Deutsche Welle reported.

"We support this kind of research, which we consider both important and desirable," Hermann said, according to the report.