Volvo test first self-driving cars on public roads

Volvo Car Group's groundbreaking project 'Drive Me' - featuring 100 self-driving Volvos on public roads in everyday driving conditions - is moving forward rapidly.

The first test cars are already rolling around the Swedish city of Gothenburg and the sophisticated Autopilot technology is performing well.

"The test cars are now able to handle lane following, speed adaption and merging traffic all by themselves. This is an important step towards our aim that the final 'Drive Me' cars will be able to drive the whole test route in highly autonomous mode," said Erik Coelingh, Technical Specialist at Volvo Car Group.

The technology, which will be called Autopilot, enables the driver to hand over the driving to the vehicle, which takes care of all driving functions," added Erik.

What makes the 'Drive Me' project unique is that it involves all the key players: legislators, transport authorities, a major city, a vehicle manufacturer and real customers.

The customers will drive the 100 cars in everyday driving conditions on approximately 50 kilometres of selected roads in and around Gothenburg.

'Drive Me - Self-driving cars for sustainable mobility' is a joint initiative between Volvo Car Group, the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Transport Agency, Lindholmen Science Park and the City of Gothenburg. The Swedish Government is endorsing the project.