Volvo is no stranger to the self-drive technology having already conducted controlled experiments using ‘road trains’ – cars following each other closely at speed – but this exercise will involve 100 cars being deployed in the busy streets of Gothenburg, Sweden.

The project ‘Drive Me – Self-driving cars for sustainable mobility’ is a joint initiative between Volvo Car Group, the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Transport Agency, Lindholmen Science Park and the City of Gothenburg.

The pilot will involve cars using approximately 30 miles of selected roads in and around Gothenburg. These roads are typical commuter routes and include motorway conditions and frequent queues.

Commenting on the project, Erik Coelingh, Technical Specialist at Volvo Car Group, said: “Our aim is for the car to be able to handle all possible traffic scenarios by itself, including leaving the traffic flow and finding a safe ‘harbour’ if the driver for any reason is unable to regain control.”

The project will start in 2014 with customer research and technology development the initial goals. The first cars are expected to be on the roads in Gothenburg by 2017.