Jaguar Land Rover to start UK tests of self-driving car technology

Jaguar Land Rover will start testing connected and self-driving vehicle technology on a 41-mile test route in the Midlands before the end of this year.

The British car company plans to create increase its test fleet to more than 100 research vehicles over the next four years. Back in February JLR revealed plans for a 41-mile real-world ‘living laboratory’ on motorways and urban roads around Coventry and Solihull.

The initial tests will involve vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technologies that will allow cars to ‘talk’ to each other and roadside signs, overhead gantries and traffic lights.

Ultimately, data sharing between vehicles would allow future connected cars to co-operate and work together to assist the driver and make lane changing and crossing junctions easier and safer.

Jaguar Land Rover’s head of research, Tony Harper, said: “Our connected and automated technology could help improve traffic flow, cut congestion and reduce the potential for accidents.

“We will also improve the driving experience, with drivers able to choose how much support and assistance they need. In traffic, for example, the driver could choose autonomy assist during tedious or stressful parts of the journey.

“But even when an enthusiastic driver is fully focused on enjoying the thrill of the open road, the new technology we are creating will still be working in the background to help keep them safe.

“Because the intelligent car will always be alert and is never distracted, it could guide you through road works and prevent accidents. If you are a keen driver, imagine being able to receive a warning that there’s a hazard out of sight or around a blind bend. Whether it’s a badly parked car or an ambulance heading your way, you could slow down, pass the hazard without fuss and continue on your journey.”