Oh Germany.

Cannabis legalization and everything else: "We need to study the potential effects for 20 years to be absolutely sure it's safe."

Allowing Mercedes let cars drive 130km/h on their own: "Seems about fine, signed."

Not complaining about the lack of bureaucracy in this case but it is crazy how fast they got the initial law change passed and now they've even updated the speed to 130, even though no car is capable of qualifying yet.

It's almost like the automotive industry has a huge influence over legislation

There is(was?) a phrase here: „Wenn Volkswagen hustet, geht es Niedersachsen nicht gut.“ meaning If VW is coughing (the whole of) Niedersachsen suffers.

Apparently said by former chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

https://gutezitate.com/zitat/152677

Also https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article167476785/Ohne-Volkswa... (use translation services, damn it!)

Furthermore https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/vw-gesetz-faq-101.html (see above)

I guess similar applies to Mercedes, BMW in their respective states.

Now tell me how many people can afford weed vs how many people can afford a brand new self driving Mercedes

One of those things is a social issue and the other is an economic issue. Germany leans conservative on one and liberal on the other.

I am guessing the State of California is sitting locked and loaded waiting to sign this off as well.

It's legally possible but no car uses it. Mercedes might be the first but they're still limiting at lower speeds.