Ford is known for its lineup of reliable automobiles and taking its tech to the next level, but Europeans will soon be able to add "cars that drive themselves" to that list of brand qualities. Starting in 2017, Ford will begin testing autonomous cars at its Engineering Center in Essex, England, as well as its Research & Advanced Engineering facilities located in Aachen and Cologne in Germany. Needless to say, Europeans are getting excited.

The automaker recently commissioned a survey of Europeans to gauge their thoughts about autonomous vehicles. Conducted by Penn Schoen Berland, the survey asked 5,000 consumers in France, Germany, Norway, Spain, and the UK how they would spend their time in their vehicle if they didn't have to drive. 80% said they'd relax and enjoy the scenery, 72% planned to talk on the phone, and 64% said they'd spend that time eating.

Thomas Lukaszewicz, manager of the automated driving unit at Ford of Europe, said, "People are really beginning to think about exactly what autonomous vehicles could mean to their day-to-day lives. Many of us neglect time for ourselves and for our loved ones in the face of other demands. Self-driving cars will revolutionize the way we live, as well as the way we travel." At Mills Ford Chrysler, we agree. Not only are self-driving vehicles going to make our roads that much safer, but they'll make time spent in vehicles that much more enjoyable as well. 

Ford is already testing a fleet of autonomous vehicles in the United States, with the self-driving cars navigating the roads of Michigan, California, and Arizona, and our team looks forward to what the automaker has in store for the technology next. Ford has already announced plans for autonomous vehicles for commercial ridesharing or even on-demand taxis, and we'll be following the project as it progresses.

To experience all the technologically advanced and reliable new models Ford has in store for you right now, be sure to call, contact us online, or stop by and visit us at 4100 U.S. 71, Willmar, MN 56201 today to schedule your test drive. 

Image: Ford