Volvo launches 'Drive Me Trial' in London to test the latest self-driving XC90. The project is deemed to be the largest car trial effort in the automobile industry.
Volvo is seeking for drivers in west London to participate in their car trials. This London trial will run simultaneously with the other trial in Gothenburg, Sweden.
"Drive Me London" - The UK's largest and most ambitious autonomous driving trial.https://t.co/lVI8zzJrc5
— Volvo Car UK (@VolvoCarUK) April 28, 2016
Anders Eugensson of Volvo detailed that the car trials will have engineers in-charge of the steering wheels of Volvo's self-driving XC90. The automaker wants to ensure that the right people will do the test to perfect the technology prior to releasing the vehicles to the public.
Anders Eugensson told the Guardian that the volunteer drivers will not just ride as a plain passenger. At a certain time, the volunteers will actually drive once the XC90 signals its transition to the regular gasoline engine mode.
Initially, the self-driving XC90 will drive itself on the road, which allows volunteers to do their own stuff like read a newspaper, study notes for a meeting, read a book, browse the internet, make phone calls or other personal stuff they need to attend to. By the time the self-driving XC90 reaches London, it will make a signal to alert the volunteer to grab the wheel and drive.
The Swedish automaker said that there will be no special training required for the car trial. Volvo wants the driving experience to be as easy as using a smartphone, so drivers need not any additional training drive the hybrid car.
Volunteers to do the "Drive Me Trial" should be working professionals coming from various age groups who usually commutes to and from west London via the M40, M4, M25 or A4. These qualifications point to the target market of the self-driving XC90.
It seems that Volvo is aiming to provide freedom and convenience to commuters and drivers. Anders Eugensson explained that their goal is to help those who are already frustrated in driving to work, especially during the heavily congested traffic peak hours in the morning.
The trial will begin from the summer of 2018 with 100 volunteers. After the car trials in London and Sweden, Volvo also aims to do the trial in China and in the US.
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
