Stellantis probably stops development of level 3 driver assistance system
When Stellantis presented the technology in February, it all sounded great: STLA AutoDrive would be able to drive automatically at speeds of up to 60 kph with the ‘Hands-Free’ and ‘Eyes-Off’ functions. This should reduce the strain on the driver in stop-and-go traffic and “win back valuable time.” Even watching a film, writing emails and reading a book are possible, the car manufacturer added, or “simply looking out of the window.” Ultimately, this is precisely the description of an advanced driving assistant according to SAE Level 3, which Mercedes-Benz already offers under the name DrivePilot for motorway driving up to 95 kph. However, Level 3 is not yet an autonomous driving assistant. However, Level 3 is not yet autonomous driving, but the driver must be able to take over the wheel again in certain situations, usually within ten seconds.
But back to Stellantis: “Helping drivers make the best use of their time is a priority,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, at the launch of STLA AutoDrive. “By handling routine driving tasks, STLA AutoDrive will enhance the driving experience, making time behind the wheel more efficient and enjoyable.” And this is certainly also an important motivation for car manufacturers to offer an ADAS system: They can offer it as an expensive optional extra or as part of the subscription model.
However, Stellantis now appears to have serious doubts about the further development of the technology under its new CEO, Antonio Filosa: According to a Reuters report, three insiders confirmed that Stellantis has put this new advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) on hold due to high costs, technological challenges and concerns about customer demand.
Stellantis has confirmed to Reuters that STLA AutoDrive was never launched: “What was unveiled in February 2025 was L3 technology for which there is currently limited market demand, so this has not been launched, but the technology is available and ready to be deployed,” said a company spokesperson. In other words, Stellantis is leaving a loophole open to introduce the technology after all. However, the three insiders interviewed by Reuters say that the programme is on hold and will probably not be introduced.
STLA AutoDrive was one of the key projects of CEO Carlos Tavares, who was dismissed in December 2024. Stellantis acquired the startup aiMotive in 2022 to further develop the AutoDrive programme. The Level 3 assistance system is part of a three-pronged technology platform called ‘STLA ABC’. In addition to AutoDrive, it also includes the Brain electrical architecture and the SmartCockpit on-board software system.
This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition.
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