Methods for the automatic interpretation of complex road traffic scenarios are currently developed on the basis of real measured data. The measurements are performed using a fully polarimetric instrumentation radar at 76 GHz. Results of those measurements will be presented, especially with respect to automatic image interpretation. The features of the measurement system are very similar to a prospective automotive radar with the exception of possible Doppler range and physical dimensions. In parallel to the measurement and algorithmic activities, a radar sensor for automotive applications using monolithic integrated millimeter-wave circuits (MMIC) is under development. Real aperture imaging is achieved with a focal plane multibeam array. The most important design criteria are low cost and compactness. System aspects of this radar sensor will be discussed including results of the millimeter-wave circuits.