The UK will host trials of driverless lorries later this year, the chancellor, George Osborne is expected to confirm in his Budget speech later this month.
According to the Department for Transport, the UK will “lead the way” in testing “HGV platoons”, allowing lorries to travel in a group, which should cut fuel consumption by reducing wind resistance for the following vehicles.
The trials are likely to take place on the M6, with vehicles in convoy headed by a driver in the front lorry, with up to 10 lorries in a pack.
“New technology has the potential to bring major improvements to journeys,” a Department for Transport spokesman said.
“We are planning trials of HGV platoons – which enable vehicles to move in a group so they use less fuel,” he added.
Meanwhile, Volvo is currently looking for 100 people to test autonomous vehicles on their commutes in the Swedish city of Gothenburg next year.
Known as the Drive Me project, the scheme is a joint venture between Volvo, the City of Gothenburg, the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Transport Agency.
It is also endorsed by the Swedish Government, with the programme aiming to “pinpoint the societal benefits of autonomous driving and position Sweden and Volvo as leaders in the development of future mobility.”
The trials will take place on around 30 miles of roads in and around the Swedish city, with the roads including faster roads and frequent queues.
The testers will be free to send emails and use mobile phones while the car is moving, Volvo said.
A spokeswoman for Volvo told BusinessCar the company currently has no plans to launch the project in the UK.
