Ford is to begin European testing of autonomous cars from 2017.

“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,” said 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.”  

At the same time a survey, commissioned by Ford, of 5,000 adults showed how drivers would spend the time in self-driving cars: 80% said they would relax and enjoy the scenery, 72% would chat on the phone, 64% would eat, with enjoying books and movies close behind.

“People are really beginning to think about exactly what autonomous vehicles could mean to their day-to-day lives,” said Thomas Lukaszewicz, manager, automated driving, 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 revolutionise the way we live, as well as the way we travel.”

On 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. ***

This latest poll showed a preference for autonomous vehicles over traditional cars when it comes to going out for drinks and commuting – and nearly half thought driverless cars would be safer.

* Survey conducted for Ford Motor Company in the UK, France, Germany, Norway and Spain by Penn Schoen Berland during November 2016.

** http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/3433488/5298273/KS-SF-07-087-DE.PDF/0d50ff3c-a042-4c49-85e8-5333c92a7186

*** Survey conducted for Ford Motor Company by Opinion Matters during April 2015