Japan sees autonomous driving as a key response to demographic change and an aging population, particularly in public transport and urban mobility. Highly automated Level-4 shuttles, operating driverless in public or semi-public spaces, are central to current mobility projects—especially in rural regions. The focus is on ensuring mobility for seniors. TÜV SÜD plays a crucial role as an independent testing body, developer of safety standards, and partner for regulatory approval. Among other things, it has developed an evaluation system for braking scenarios.
Several companies in Japan are even experimenting with mobile accommodation concepts—such as self-driving hotel rooms known as “Auto Ryokans.” Guests can spend the night in fully equipped mobile suites that drive them to different destinations. However, these projects are still in trial phases and not yet widely available.
The Netherlands consistently rank among the global frontrunners in autonomous driving. Favorable legislation, excellent infrastructure, and broad public acceptance of new mobility concepts have kept the country at the top for years. In 2025, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) program is expected to launch its European debut in the Netherlands—marking a milestone for everyday use of highly automated functions.
Following criticism that the software overstated its autonomy, the system must now carry the label “under supervision.” While Level-2 systems are already standard, Level-3 and Level-4 applications are on the verge of entering mainstream operation.
Germany is a European leader in legislation. In 2021 and 2022, the government passed laws allowing vehicles with fully automated functions (Level-4) to operate on public roads. Use, however, is limited to officially approved routes. A safety driver is no longer required, but a remote technical supervisor must be available to intervene if needed.
In practice, Level-2 and Level-3 systems dominate everyday use—for example, Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot (up to 95 km/h on designated motorway sections). Level-4 vehicles are currently deployed in pilot projects, mainly for shuttles and delivery services.
From 2016 to 2019, the large-scale PEGASUS project developed standards, methods, and tools for testing and approving highly automated driving (especially SAE Level 3 and 4). TÜV SÜD was the only technical inspection body among the partners and played a pivotal role in validating test methods and safety standards. TÜV SÜD also contributed significantly to Project Atlas-L4, designed to ensure the safe highway operation of autonomous trucks.
Die Vereinigten Staaten sind technologisch führend, doch die Gesetzgebung ist ein föderaler Flickenteppich. In 35 Bundesstaaten sind Tests mit autonomen Fahrzeugen erlaubt. Während in Texas autonome Fahrzeuge ohne spezielle Genehmigung fahren dürfen, verlangt Kalifornien strenge Zulassungsverfahren und umfangreiche Tests. Kalifornien und Arizona erlauben bereits fahrerlose Tests. In San Francisco, Los Angeles und Phoenix sind derzeit insgesamt rund 700 fahrerlose Robotaxis unterwegs, die pro Woche etwa 200.000 bezahlte Fahrten durchführen. Neben Personentransporten werden autonome Lieferroboter und Robo-Lkw kommerziell eingesetzt.
China has become one of the most important players in the development and deployment of autonomous systems. Level-3 features are moving into widespread use, while Level-4 robotaxis are already operating without safety drivers in cities such as Shenzhen and Shanghai.
The government is pushing the technology aggressively, emphasizing centralized control, standardization, and cloud-based networking. This state-driven model has enabled rapid advancements, though aspects of the strategy have drawn criticism abroad.
Thanks to progressive legislation, autonomous taxis and shuttles have been operating in public trials since 2018 and are increasingly being integrated into everyday transport. The CETRAN (Centre of Excellence for Testing & Research of Autonomous Vehicles) serves as the nation’s hub for AV testing and research. It was established in 2017 by Nanyang Technological University in collaboration with the Land Transport Authority and TÜV SÜD.
TÜV SÜD contributes expertise in functional safety, testing, and certification. At CETRAN, complex pedestrian scenarios are simulated to ensure AV safety. The test methods and sensor technology used there are setting international benchmarks for how autonomous vehicles interact with diverse road users.
Australia passed a law in 2015 allowing autonomous vehicle testing on public roads. The country sees unique opportunities in its vast Outback regions. Road trains—extremely long truck convoys—are already a familiar sight. Autonomous versions are being trialed to boost efficiency and safety over long distances.
TÜV SÜD supports these trials, evaluating autonomous freight trucks operating on sparsely traveled routes. The goal is to ensure safe and efficient operation under extreme conditions, such as sandstorms.
Photos: Shutterstock/fanjianhua, Nissan Motor Corporation, Courtesy of Tesla, Inc., Mercedes-Benz, Waymo, Pony AI Inc., Aptiv, Mineral Resources
