Volvo To Start Self-Driving Cars Sales in 2021, Silicon Valley Research Centre Prepared To Begin Work

Volvo's CEO Hakan Samuelsson announced that his company is looking forward to launch self-driving cars in the markets in 2021 at the Global Mobility Leadership Forum that was held in Detroit. The inclusion of auto-pilot features in the cars will lead to a hike of about $10,000 in the prices.

Samuelsson made it clear that the auto-pilot feature in Volvo vehicles will be provided as optional. The occupants of the vehicles may then choose to leave the driving to the system or might drive themselves as the steering wheels will still be present.

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"To make a car even more premium, one of the most interesting things is a full autopilot," said Samuelsson. He added that the control system which Volvo is planning for its cars will not require any directions or supervision from passengers. They can easily sit back in their seats and enjoy various activities like reading or watching movies while the autonomous car will drive them to the intended destination.

Volvo's line of action on its autopilot system is in resemblance to the traditional method of including a new feature in the vehicles. It will first be integrated into the top-of-the-line models, as $10,000 will be charged for the self-driving abilities. The feature will then be added to more vehicles as an option before it becomes a standard utility in all vehicles.

The approach of Volvo towards launching its self-driving vehicles is quite different from that of Ford and GM. While the latter firms might introduce their systems in taxi-style cars, Volvo aims at releasing its much-awaited technology directly in cars that can be purchased by individuals. Taking into account the on-going announcements of self-driving technologies by various companies, it is possible that all the vehicles with this revolutionary feature will hit the markets approximately at the same time.

To facilitate the development of autonomous car systems, Volvo has set up a research and development centre in Silicon Valley. The space will be home to 70 engineers who will work on developing the mentioned technology alongwith infotainment and connectivity systems, according to Tech Times.

Employees hired for the task will shift base in the coming week while the infrastructure is already being installed. Volvo has come to the decision of not being a part of the Paris Motor Show, one of the most reputed shows in automotive industry. Volvo will plan its own media events to launch its latest vehicles.