AVL Testing Autonomous Vehicle on Austrian Highway for the First Time

For the first time, AVL List GmbH, a global technology company, completed a test drive with an autonomous vehicle on the Pyhrnautobahn highway in Styria, Austria during a well-attended press conference at the AVL test track in Gratkorn. The test drive was authorized by the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology. Helmut List, CEO of AVL: “The decree to conduct test drives with autonomous driver assistance systems on Styrian roads is a major step toward fast, efficient and enhanced solutions for the benefit of customers. We can all contribute significantly to a secure mobility of the future.”

During the first tests, a vehicle with longitudinal and lateral control was used. The vehicle is able to autonomously drive over a longer period of time on certain road sections – i.e. the vehicle steers, brakes and accelerates independently. For security reasons, the vehicle’s functions were constantly supervised by experienced test drivers.

A Pioneer in the Field of Autonomous Driving

The first official test drive on the Pyhrnautobahn highway is a momentous event for both AVL and the mobility sector. “Today is a historical day. Autonomous cars will make everyday life more secure, and there will be less accident victims on the roads, as technology helps to prevent fatal mistakes”, Jörg Leichtfried, Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology said.

About AVL

With more than 12,200 employees, AVL is one of the world's leading mobility technology companies for development, simulation and testing in the automotive industry and in other sectors such as rail, shipping and energy. Based on extensive in-house research activities, AVL delivers concepts, technology solutions, methodologies and development tools for a greener, safer and better world of mobility and beyond.

AVL supports international partners and customers in sustainable and digital transformation. The focus here is on the areas of electrification, software, AI and automation. AVL also supports companies in energy-intensive sectors on their way to green and efficient energy generation and supply.

AVL's passion is innovation. Together with an international network of experts spanning 90 locations with more than 50 competence and development centers worldwide, AVL is driving the future of mobility. In 2024, the company generated a turnover of 2.03 billion euros, of which 11% was invested in R&D activities.

For more information: www.avl.com

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