The driver of a Mercedes-Benz car, who on March 14 reportedly became stuck on a busy highway driving at about 120 kilometers an hour as a result of what he said was brake and cruise control failure, has been challenged by a judicial appraisal report that was sent by the China Vehicle Forensic Center (Beijing) to the driver on Saturday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday morning.
The appraisal report showed that the car's brake and navigation systems were trouble-free.
Mercedes-Benz also issued a statement via its subsidiary in Beijing to CCTV on Sunday, saying that it respected and recognized the results of the judicial appraisal.
The driver, surnamed Xue, claimed he became trapped in the car, which he had bought only about one month before, and had to drive down the highway for about one hour after the cruise control device and brakes suddenly failed. Xue had to cruise at 120 kilometers per hour while the police worked with highway control authorities to clear three lanes for him and prevent any accidents. According to Xue, his car eventually came to a stop after repeatedly opening and shutting the door.
But the CCTV report noted that it was doubted whether it is possible to deactivate the cruise control or decrease speed in such a way.
The judicial appraisal report also noted that if the car's speed is above 2 kilometers per hour, the speed can't be lowered even if the car door is opened.
Xue said that he respected the results of the appraisal, but maintained that the car was out of control on the night of March 14.
