Mercedes Benz to become first 'self- driving car' manufacturer

London, Nov 15(ANI): Mercedes-Benz will become the first carmaker to launch self- driven cars, a UK report has said.

According to a UK motoring website AutoExpress, the next generation car, S-class would feature autonomous system enabling the car to drive itself at a speed of upto 40 kilometres per hour.

The system reportedly uses a series of cameras and sensors to control the car's speed and the distance from the car in front, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Mercedes-Benz engineer Dr Stefan Schweher said the technology "allows the driver to concentrate on other things", while they navigate morning or evening traffic.

The S-Class will also feature other various innovations, including a new airbag system under the car's front axle that would help the vehicle to slowdown under emergency braking, an updated version of the Comand media system which will boast a Facebook link-up and area-specific Google searches.

According to the New York Times, search engine firm Google is also planning to launch its own self-driven cars.

The report states that Google is "unimpressed by the innovative spirit of Detroit automakers" and that it is "considering manufacturing them in the United States." (ANI)