Volvo Autonomous-Car Research Hits Gothenburg Streets

TURIN – Volvo launches a groundbreaking project called “Drive Me” in which a fleet of 100 self-driving Volvos will operate in everyday driving conditions on public roads in the automaker’s Gothenburg, Sweden, hometown.

“The first test cars are already rolling around the Swedish city of Gothenburg and the sophisticated Autopilot technology is performing well,” says Erik Coiling, a Volvo Car Group technical specialist. “The test cars are now able to handle lane-following, speed adaption and merging traffic all by themselves.”

A “Drive Me” Volvo eventually is expected to travel the entire test route in highly autonomous mode.

Volvo calls its technology application Autopilot to suggest the driver will be able to relinquish control of the vehicle. Designers and engineers envision a car of the future that operates like an aircraft.

The concept, however, requires a major redesign of the road infrastructure. One issue is whether it makes sense just to reconsider the car and the road system, or develop a new sort of private mobility using electric vehicles.

Volvo’s “Drive Me” project already involves all the key players: legislators, transport authorities, a major city, an automaker and real motorists. The motorists will drive the 100 cars on about 31 miles (50 km) of selected roads in and around Gothenburg. The roads are commuter arteries that present typical motorway conditions and frequent queues.

“Drive Me” is a joint initiative between Volvo, the Swedish Transport Admin., the Swedish Transport Agency, Lindholmen Science Park and the City of Gothenburg.