In Pictures: Volkswagen, Stellantis push autonomous driving plans forward in China and France

Automakers are racing to translate advanced driver-assistance tech into real-world autonomous capability.

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Volkswagen's L3 road-test permit in Hefei marks a step toward its 2027 readiness target in China.

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Sensor-laden vehicles navigating dense city traffic illustrate the complexity of validating automated driving systems.

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Highway trials remain central to proving autonomous systems before wider deployment.

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Stellantis plans to trial driverless vehicles in Greater Paris from 2028, expanding testing beyond urban cores.

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Competition among major automakers is intensifying as test programs multiply across markets.

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Both companies are betting that regulatory approvals will unlock commercial autonomous services this decade.

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Road testing generates the data needed to certify higher levels of driving automation.

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Directional road markings and mapped routes underpin the infrastructure autonomous fleets will rely on.

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