Honda Targets 2025 to Release its Own Self-Driving Cars

It seems that every car manufacturer and their mother nowadays want in on the self-driving car action. Though it's a bit late in the game, Honda recently unveiled its plans for manufacturing fully autonomous vehicles, stating that it intends to put its own version of self-driving cars out on the market by 2025.

Honda has been one of the more cautious car manufacturers when it comes to autonomous vehicle technology, ranking 15th out of 18 vehicle manufacturers in its self-driving pursuit, according to a report conducted by US consultancy firm Navigant. To make up for lost time, Honda announced that it will introduce level 3 autonomous vehicles in 2020, with the ultimate intention being, the release of level 4 autonomous cars in 2025.

Level 3 autonomy, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), refers to vehicle automation wherein the driver can still resume command of the vehicle upon request. On the other hand, level 4 autonomy means the car can handle most driving situations on its own. Level 5, the highest level of autonomy, covers complete automation in any driving condition.

Honda's autonomous technology

Like many other car manufacturers, Honda’s autonomous driving system will include cameras, radar sensors, and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). By harnessing these technologies, it aims to meet the standards created by SAE.

"We are striving to provide our customers with a sense of confidence and trust by offering automated driving that will keep vehicles away from any dangerous situation and that will not make people around the vehicle feel unsafe," Honda president and CEO Takahiro Hachigo told reporters.

Aside from autonomy, the Japanese car brand will also be focusing on robotics and electric vehicles through 2030.

"We're going to place utmost priority on electrification and advanced safety technologies going forward," Hachigo said.

Where the competition’s at

BMW said that it plans to launch a fully autonomous car by 2021. Meanwhile, Ford is targeting to release a similar vehicle for ride-sharing purposes in the same year. Honda’s fellow Japanese make Nissan wants its autonomous cars on city streets by 2020.

Honda increased spending on research and development by JPY750 billion yen (PHP360 billion) last March in hopes of catching up.

In no rush

Despite the 'Johnny-come-lately' vibe, Honda says that it is in no rush. It reminds everyone that it already has a few self-driving features present, namely the Honda Sensing and AcuraWatch, which handles automatic braking, lane assist, and collision warnings in some of its existing models.