Technology

Ford gets California approval for testing self-driving cars on roads

The autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid sedans will be tested on California streets next year.
December 16, 2015 05:00 AM

DETROIT (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co. said it secured a permit from California to begin testing its self-driving car on public roads from next year.

Ford, which said on Tuesday it will test its Ford Fusion Hybrid car, joins companies ranging from Alphabet Inc.'s Google to Volkswagen AG in testing the fast-growing self-driving technology.

Other carmakers already approved by California include Honda Motor Co., Daimler AG, Tesla Motors Inc., Nissan Motor Co. and BMW AG.

California is one of a handful of states, along with Michigan, Florida and Nevada, that have passed legislation enabling testing of self-driving cars on public roads.

Google and other automotive manufacturers and suppliers have said the technology to build self-driving cars should be ready by 2020.

Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.