ZF Mobility Solutions has received approval from Germany\u2019s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) to test its Level 4 autonomous driving (AD) system on public roads nationwide. Previously, such permits were limited to specific road sections or urban areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This decision marks a significant step in the development of autonomous mobility. As a provider of development and consulting services, ZF\u2019s subsidiary can now support partners more quickly and efficiently in implementing sustainable transport projects, particularly in public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ZF Mobility Solutions first applied this approval in North Rhine-Westphalia, where a short-term use of the autonomous transport system (ATS) was tested in D\u00fcsseldorf on behalf of Rheinbahn AG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe nationwide approval for Level 4 autonomous driving testing is a major step toward autonomous mobility in public transport. The KBA\u2019s decision will act as a catalyst for the implementation of autonomous transport systems across Germany and the industry as a whole,\u201d said Alexander Makowski, head of ZF Mobility Solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can now test autonomous transport systems in various conditions\u2014from city centers to rural regions. No longer requiring separate permits for each test saves our clients significant time and costs, allowing them to implement urban and regional transport projects more quickly and efficiently,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The approval will drive further development of autonomous transport solutions, improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of public transport. This is a crucial step toward market maturity and regulatory advancements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The focus is on urban and regional public transport, while highways, expressways, and roads with speed limits above 100 km\/h are not covered by the permit. The approval is valid until the end of 2026, with the possibility of extension until 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first test after receiving the nationwide permit took place in North Rhine-Westphalia in February. In D\u00fcsseldorf, ZF Mobility Solutions, in cooperation with Rheinbahn AG, conducted trials of autonomous transport with a safety driver on public roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the XPONENTIAL exhibition on autonomous technologies and robotics, as well as Customer Days, public transport operators and city representatives had the opportunity to experience the autonomous transport system. Additionally, interested visitors could sign up for free test rides between the exhibition site and pavilions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAutonomous driving is a key element of the transport revolution, bringing us closer to safer, more accessible, and sustainable mobility. The latest nationwide approval further strengthens our commitment to collaborating with partners, learning, and implementing innovative transport solutions,\u201d said Annette Grabbe, board spokesperson and CFO of Rheinbahn AG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ZF Mobility Solutions actively supports Rheinbahn AG in autonomous public transport trials, focusing on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The approval opens new opportunities for autonomous transport in Germany, accelerating its integration into public transportation and improving accessibility and safety.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4843,"template":"","class_list":["post-4846","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n