Ford plans to begin European testing of autonomous cars in 2017. A survey of 5,000 adults has revealed how drivers visualize spending their time in self-driving cars. Of those included, 80% said they look forward to relaxing and enjoying the scenery, 72% would chat on the phone, while 64% believe they would eat, read and watch movies.
In a new 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.
“People are really beginning to think about exactly what autonomous vehicles could mean to their day-to-day lives,” said Thomas Lukaszewicz, manager of automated driving at Ford of Europe. “Many of us neglect time for ourselves and for our loved ones in the face of other demands. Self-driving cars will revolutionize the way we live, as well as the way we travel.
“We have already announced plans to use an autonomous vehicle for a ride-sharing service in the USA in 2021 and it is important that we extend our testing to Europe,” added Lukaszewicz. “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.”
December 9, 2016
