Ford to start testing autonomous cars in Europe next year

Ford Motor Company will start testing autonomous vehicles on European roads next year onwards as the automaker aims to roll out a mass-market autonomous car by 2021.

With its self-driving car development programme already up and running in the US, Ford is turning its attention to tackling the complex challenge of making an autonomous system work across European boundaries.

Commenting on the development, Thomas Lukaszewicz, manager, Automated Driving, Ford of Europe, said: “We have already announced plans to use an autonomous vehicle for a ride-sharing service in the US in 2021 and it is important that we extend our testing to Europe. Rules of the road vary from country to country here, traffic signs and road layouts are different, and drivers are likely to share congested roads with cyclists.”  

Moreover, the carmaker also conducted a survey of 5,000 adults, which showed how drivers would spend the time in self-driving cars. Around 80 percent said they would look forward to relaxing and enjoying the scenery, 72 percent would chat on the phone, 64 percent would have a bite to eat, with enjoying books and movies close behind.

Also read: Ford developing semi-autonomous emergency steering system

“People are really beginning to think about exactly what autonomous vehicles could mean to their day-to-day lives. Many of us neglect time for ourselves and for our loved ones in the face of other demands. Self-driving cars will revolutionise the way we live, as well as the way we travel,” added Lukaszewicz.

In the Ford-commissioned survey, many Europeans felt time behind the wheel would be better spent catching up with nearest and dearest, gazing out the window, or taking a nap. It could even spell the end of the “school-run mum” – as 16 percent would let children travel alone.

On an average, European drivers spend up to 10 days each year in their cars and a previous survey showed people in major cities find their commute more stressful than their job.

Recommended:

- Ford accelerates autonomous vehicle research, ties up with University of Michigan

- Ford working on Tesla rivaling electric Model E