For many, the idea of autonomous, self-driving vehicles still has tinges of science fiction. However, Volvo is taking the initiative in pushing autonomous driving technology forward while addressing the questions that still remain regarding this relatively young field.

One of the tools at Volvo’s disposal is the Future of Driving survey, the largest consumer survey on autonomous driving to date. The ongoing survey has revealed fascinating insights into what customers want to see in the cars of the future:

  • 72% believe the “luxury” of driving manually must be preserved
  • 69% feel it’s important to have choices between which routes they take
  • 55% want a steering wheel in a fully autonomous vehicle

While the survey shows that consumers are interested in preserving some of driving’s traditional aspects, it also indicates that many are ready to experience the “Future of Driving.” 78 percent say they would use their time productively while riding in an autonomous vehicle. Imagine being able to conduct a phone meeting, review the day’s news, or simply catch up on some reading during a journey – just a few examples of the possibilities that autonomous driving will bring.

“Volvo believes that autonomous driving vehicles should give you the freedom to choose when you want to drive and when you want to delegate driving to the car,” said Lee Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA. “The Future of Driving survey confirmed that consumers seek this freedom as autonomous driving technologies are introduced.”

There are many more questions to be answered in the world of autonomous driving, and Volvo is pushing forward in finding answers. The company’s autonomous driving program, “Drive Me,” will give 100 consumers the opportunity to experience life with an autonomous driving vehicle beginning in 2017.

Many current Volvo vehicles already offer some form of driver assistance technologies, and Pilot Assist II semi-autonomous driving will be standard on the 2017 Volvo XC90. It’s an exciting time to be a Volvo driver; visit 3Birds Template today to see why the “future of driving” isn’t so far away.

Image Credit: Volvo