Self-Driving Cars Exhibit Outside Senate Dirksen Building
Committee will hold demo before hearing on self-driving cars tomorrow
March 14, 2016
WASHINGTON — On March 15, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will host an exhibit of self-driving vehicle technology from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at First St. and C St. NE outside the Senate Dirksen and Russell Office Buildings. Immediately following the exhibition, at 2:30 p.m., the committee will convene a hearing titled “Hands Off: The Future of Self-Driving Cars.”
The committee’s chairman, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), will arrive at approximately 10:15 a.m. after completing a test drive in an autonomous prototype of the Continental Chrysler 300c showcasing highly-automated driving. The committee’s ranking member, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), will arrive at approximately the same time after completing a test drive in an autopilot-equipped Tesla Model S.
Manufacturers Participating in the Senate Exhibition:
Continental
Vehicle: 2014 Chrysler 300c (Sedan)
Technology Present on Vehicle: Continental is one of the top 5 auto suppliers in the world and the 2014 Chrysler 300 is equipped with advanced technology that enables the vehicle to drive in Automated Mode. The vehicle has 5 Cameras and 6 Radars, which are tasked to recognize everything surrounding the vehicle. In the interior it contains a driver analyzing system and an advanced Human Machine Interface concept to keep the driver informed at all times.
Tesla Motors, Inc.
Vehicles: Tesla Model S 90D (deep blue Sedan); Tesla Model S P90DL (black Sedan)
Technology Present on Vehicles: Both Model S’s come equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot, allowing Model S to steer within a lane, change lanes with the simple tap of a turn signal, and manage speed by using active, traffic-aware cruise control. Model S can also scan for a parking space, alert you when one is available, and parallel park on command.
Volkswagen Group of America
Vehicle: 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T (SUV)
Technology Present on Vehicle: This Audi Q7 3.0T is equipped with Volkswagen’s traffic jam assist technology, which provides gentle acceleration, braking and steering guidance, allowing for semi-autonomous driving when traveling at speeds between 0-37 mph in congested traffic. The Q7 also features traffic sign recognition, night vision assistant to help alert you to pedestrians and larger animals within 300 feet, and vehicle exit assist.
BMW Group
Vehicle: BMW 740i X Drive (Sedan)
Technology Present on Vehicle: The 7 Series has a self-parking feature that allows the driver to leave the vehicle before parking it via remote control on a key fob by moving it forward into, or reversing out of, a tight parking space or garage. The 7 series also features traffic jam assist, active driving assistant and active cruise control.
Event Details:
Senate Self-Driving Vehicle Exhibition
March 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (Sen. Thune and Sen. Nelson at approximately 10:15 a.m.)
First St. and C St. NE outside the Senate Dirksen and Russell Office Buildings
Staff and other visitors will have an opportunity to view the vehicles and speak with experts. Senators may demo the vehicles.
Commerce Committee Hearing on the Future of Self-Driving Cars
Tuesday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Senate Russell Office Building, Room 253
The committee’s chairman, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), will arrive at approximately 10:15 a.m. after completing a test drive in an autonomous prototype of the Continental Chrysler 300c showcasing highly-automated driving. The committee’s ranking member, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), will arrive at approximately the same time after completing a test drive in an autopilot-equipped Tesla Model S.
Manufacturers Participating in the Senate Exhibition:
Continental
Vehicle: 2014 Chrysler 300c (Sedan)
Technology Present on Vehicle: Continental is one of the top 5 auto suppliers in the world and the 2014 Chrysler 300 is equipped with advanced technology that enables the vehicle to drive in Automated Mode. The vehicle has 5 Cameras and 6 Radars, which are tasked to recognize everything surrounding the vehicle. In the interior it contains a driver analyzing system and an advanced Human Machine Interface concept to keep the driver informed at all times.
Tesla Motors, Inc.
Vehicles: Tesla Model S 90D (deep blue Sedan); Tesla Model S P90DL (black Sedan)
Technology Present on Vehicles: Both Model S’s come equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot, allowing Model S to steer within a lane, change lanes with the simple tap of a turn signal, and manage speed by using active, traffic-aware cruise control. Model S can also scan for a parking space, alert you when one is available, and parallel park on command.
Volkswagen Group of America
Vehicle: 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T (SUV)
Technology Present on Vehicle: This Audi Q7 3.0T is equipped with Volkswagen’s traffic jam assist technology, which provides gentle acceleration, braking and steering guidance, allowing for semi-autonomous driving when traveling at speeds between 0-37 mph in congested traffic. The Q7 also features traffic sign recognition, night vision assistant to help alert you to pedestrians and larger animals within 300 feet, and vehicle exit assist.
BMW Group
Vehicle: BMW 740i X Drive (Sedan)
Technology Present on Vehicle: The 7 Series has a self-parking feature that allows the driver to leave the vehicle before parking it via remote control on a key fob by moving it forward into, or reversing out of, a tight parking space or garage. The 7 series also features traffic jam assist, active driving assistant and active cruise control.
Event Details:
Senate Self-Driving Vehicle Exhibition
March 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (Sen. Thune and Sen. Nelson at approximately 10:15 a.m.)
First St. and C St. NE outside the Senate Dirksen and Russell Office Buildings
Staff and other visitors will have an opportunity to view the vehicles and speak with experts. Senators may demo the vehicles.
Commerce Committee Hearing on the Future of Self-Driving Cars
Tuesday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Senate Russell Office Building, Room 253
