Ford has revealed plans to triple the size of its fleet of autonomous research vehicles in 2016.
The US automaker claims that the move, which will involve the addition of 20 Fusion Hybrid models, will result in the largest autonomous vehicle fleet of any automaker.
The manufacturer will also accelerate the development of its ‘virtual driver’ system, with increased on-road testing of related sensors and software.
Commenting on Ford’s plans, Raj Nair, executive vice president of global project development and chief technical officer, said: “Using the most advanced technology and expanding our test fleet are clear signs of our commitment to make autonomous vehicles available for millions of people – not just the elite.
“With more autonomous vehicles on the road, we are accelerating the development of software algorithms that serve to make our vehicles even smarter,” he added.
The manufacturer’s autonomous cars will take to the streets of California this year, supplementing tests that are already taking place in Michigan.
The expansion forms part of the Ford Smart Mobility strategy.
