The short history of the self-driving car industry has been littered with expensive failures and endless delays, but tech suppliers, chipmakers including Nvidia and some automakers are betting on AI and a web of partnerships to spark new progress.

The new CLA will be the first Mercedes-Benz to debut a hands-free system that can handle point-to-point driving, even through urban areas.

Ford detailed plans to scale AI, driver-assistance, and vehicle computing across affordable models. ・Gary Black said driverless ride-hailing is already operating at scale, with Level 4 launches likely in 2026.

Driving during the winter is tough enough with icy roads and gusty winds, but add nighttime to the mix, and you have a recipe for serious driving challenges. It doesn't matter what type of driver you are, driving at night takes a bit more effort and attention.

The 2026 CLA is being billed as Mercedes-Benz's first software-defined vehicle, one that’s launching with the automaker’s latest MB.OS (Mercedes operating system), which enables communication between the car’s numerous sensors and the four domains of the car that act as its brain—running everything from infotainment to automated driving assistance.