Tesla will aim to introduce autonomous-drive cars by 2016.
Chief executive Elon Musk told the Financial Times that Tesla would aim to cover 90 per cent of driven miles autonomously "within three years".
Tesla is reportedly choosing to develop its own autonomous technology in-house rather than working with an aftermarket-developed system.
The company has already started advertising for engineers to help with the project, with a role on the company's website decribed as "responsible for developing vehicle-level decision-making and lateral and longitudinal control strategies for Tesla’s effort to pioneer fully automated driving".
Mercedes-Benz and Nissan are among a number of other manufacturers developing autonomous drive. Both companies aim to have the technology in their cars by 2020.
Volvo is also working on autonomous drive systems, but says that more advanced aspects of the technology won't be seen for up to ten years.
Driverless cars are already being tested on UK roads, but so far trials have only taken place on private land.
Public trials have already taken place in the US.
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There is time and place for this. If it is a nice empty country lane great but stuck in commuter traffic great press the home button sit back and read auto car. Even better send the car out to drop off and pick up the kids. While i was looking at investments they highlited this as a huge risk to insurance company's follow the logic and the car manufactures become liable and have to underight and accidents approach zero. Anyone holding car insurance company shares long term should think again.
Not a good news...
... for keen drivers since the young and ballsy Mr Musk puts his money where his mouth is unlike the ageing, hapless and tricksy leadership of some rival car makers who are too cynical to do just that.
If he says he's gonna do it - then he'll most probably find a way to do it. So not a good news for those like myself who get a kick out of driving - track or road.
Driverless cars, ownerless cars also?
Who will want to own a car that drives itself, or more importantly want to buy one with their own money?
Driving I feel is, like sex, far better experienced as a participant than as a spectator.