Ford, Google and Uber join forces to drive autonomous agenda

Google, Uber, Lyft, Ford and Volvo, all of which are working on self-driving car technology, have formed a lobbying group to take on government regulations of autonomous vehicles.

As the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, the group argues that self-driving cars will reduce the severity and frequency of crashes. Volvo’s chief executive, Håkan Samuelsson, has been particularly vocal: “Without a doubt, crash frequency will dramatically reduce,” he said. “The sooner AD cars are on the roads, the sooner lives will start being saved.”

Ford agrees: it says it believes fully autonomous vehicles will help people travel more safely, and a will bring mobility to those who currently are unable to drive.

In order to boost the deployment of self-driving technology, the lobby group says it will work with lawmakers, regulators and the public “to realise the safety and social benefits it provides”. Volvo’s boss has requested the cooperation of legislators to facilitate the development of autonomous cars. “The car industry cannot do it all by itself”, said Samuelsson. “We need governmental help.”

The UK is at the forefront of autonomous technology development. Jaguar Land Rover’s own self-driving project recently received £3.41 million worth of funding from the UK government, and Volvo will be using London’s roads to test its future systems.

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