top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Look, no hands! Fancy test-driving an autonomous car?

Self-driving car technology development continues at speed

French car manufacturer PSA Group has become the first in the country to be granted official authorization to carry out testing of autonomous cars on public French roads, using ‘non-expert’ drivers.

The group, which owns Citroën and Peugeot, will begin testing in March on about 2,000km of French roads – with its own customers behind the wheel.

Since July 2015, professionally trained drivers have driven some 120,000km of Europe’s roads in PSA prototypes.

The group said in a statement that by 2020, some of its vehicles “will benefit from autonomous driving features enabling the driver to give the car full control”.

Competition to develop autonomous driving software is fierce in the car-making industry worldwide.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

In September 2016, Chinese-owned Swedish manufacturer Volvo teamed up with auto safety group Autoliv to develop driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous drive (AD) systems, and also teamed up with Uber in a 300million deal to develop driverless cars. Volvo expect AD technology to be ready by 2021.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France