BMW and Nissan have already released L2 vehicles in Japan, but Honda’s new Legend luxury sedan, scheduled to be launched as early as next summer, has L3 capabilities: drivers won’t have to operate the accelerator or the wheel during congestion on expressways. Instead they can watch television or use their smartphone during that time, and are expected to feel less fatigue from driving.
They’ll be warned by the car when they need to take control as soon as the congestion ends or if an emergency occurs. The new Legend is expected to be priced at around €80,000, and next spring, the Japanese Government will enforce a revised road traffic law to permit the operation of level-3 AVs on public roads.
Toyota plan to supply their e-Palette L4 vehicle for use in the Olympic Village when Tokyo hosts the Summer Games next year.
