Wednesday, December 9, 2015

GM to Test Autonomous Vehicle Technology on 2016 Chevrolet Volt

GM to Test Autonomous Vehicle Technology on 2016 Chevrolet Volt
© General Motors

OKEMOS, Mich. –– There's been much talk of driverless vehicles as of late, and while General Motors and its Chevrolet brand have remained less outspoken than other automotive companies, it would be a mistake to underestimate their level of commitment to this future model of transportation.

According to Transport Evolved, an online transportation news source, GM will test autonomous vehicle technology on the 2016 Chevrolet Volt and "build a fleet of self-driving 2017 Chevrolet Volts in order to develop and refine GM's self-driving vehicle technology for future production use."

GM to Test Autonomous Vehicle Technology on 2016 Chevrolet Volt
© General Motors

Although many drivers have already developed an aversion to autonomous vehicle technology, this is overall exiting news for GM and Chevy. There are many benefits to autonomous driving technology when it's implemented correctly and provides drivers with the right arrangement of vehicle enhancements.

As GM tests autonomous vehicle technology on the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, it seems the automaker will split the project into a series of stages. Throughout the initial phase, GM will work on a smartphone app that connects with the Volt and will enable employees at the automaker's Warren Technical Center in Michigan to "reserve a car for use and have it meet them at a predetermined pickup point in the parking lot," according to Transport Evolved. After an employee chooses a destination, the Volt will drive them there, then park and wait for the next employee to summon it.

GM to Test Autonomous Vehicle Technology on 2016 Chevrolet Volt
© General Motors

Most drivers don't immediately associate autonomous vehicle technology with benefits such as this, but GM seems determined to uncover as many positive factors as possible through autonomous vehicle technology tests carried out on the 2016 Volt. We can rest assured the automaker will make strides as time goes on, considering it has partook in driverless vehicle testing in the past. For instance, with the EN-V and a driverless SUV produced 10 years ago––talk about ahead of the times.

For drivers who still find GM's autonomous vehicle technology testing on the 2016 Volt dubious or disturbing, fear not. GM CEO Mary Barra has already disclosed the automaker has no intentions of doing away with its owner-driver vehicles, but instead would offer a separate transportation solution alongside this traditional mode where people could essentially rent driverless vehicles for short trips.

GM to Test Autonomous Vehicle Technology on 2016 Chevrolet Volt
© General Motors

Believe us when we say we love driving our Chevys, and most likely always will enjoy that experience over whatever a driverless vehicle could potentially offer. But knowing GM is willing to broaden its business to include more transportation options through autonomous vehicle technology reminds us of the automaker's commitment to innovation visible in each of the Chevy vehicles at our Delta Charter Township area Chevrolet dealer.

Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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