Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo won’t implement full self-driving technology until it’s “100 per cent safe”

Volvo’s safety expert says FSD needs to have a perfect environment to meet firm’s standards

Volvo EX90 - front tracking

Full self-driving cars gained fresh impetus earlier this year when the UK government passed the new Automated Vehicles Act, but safety experts from Volvo have questioned the viability of the technology and its potential real-world use. 

Speaking to Auto Express, Claudia Zarre, a safety manager at Volvo, denounced the feasibility of full self-driving cars. “Fully autonomous car safety is dependent on the conditions. We need a perfect environment for it to meet our standards,” Zarre said, referring to road markings, signs and general road conditions. “Volvo full self-driving won’t arrive until we know it’s 100 per cent safe,” she added. 

The company unveiled a fully autonomous car, the 360c, way back in 2018 as a rival to not only cars, but also public transport. Since then, Volvo’s all-electric flagship, the EX90, has been launched, and while early models don’t feature Level 3 hands-free motoring, this autonomous technology will soon arrive via a Lidar pod on the new car’s roof. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

A Volvo spokesperson has since said, "we remain committed to introducing autonomous drive (AD) technologies, which we believe will make the safety systems more and more capable in the future and help us get closer to our ambition of zero collisions in new Volvo cars." 

The Swedish company is not alone in developing such tech. Tesla recently announced its self-driving Robotaxi, which comes without a steering wheel. The compact two-seater was claimed to have a provisional launch date of 2027, although such a car would currently not be legal on UK roads.

Would you trust a self-driving car? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Alastair Crooks, Staff writer Auto Express
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volvo to go new car crazy with 13 models by 2030
Volvo badge 2026

Volvo to go new car crazy with 13 models by 2030

The Swedish firm has committed to launching seven all-new cars for Western markets, including hybrid and pure-electric models
News
17 Sep 2026
Volvo to bring back buttons and celebrate its past in massive range revamp
New Volvo concept teaser

Volvo to bring back buttons and celebrate its past in massive range revamp

New concept being revealed early next year will preview the brand’s latest design direction and interior philosophy
News
17 Sep 2026
The Volvo estate is alive but only in the hearts of execs, for now...
Volvo electric estate car render (watermarked)

The Volvo estate is alive but only in the hearts of execs, for now...

Volvo's new SPA3 architecture can be used for low-slung cars, making it perfect for a new load-lugging wagon. But will Volvo actually commit to buildi…
News
28 Aug 2026
New Volvo connected car tech can warn other cars of pedestrians, roadworks and more
Volvo EX90 - front cornering alt

New Volvo connected car tech can warn other cars of pedestrians, roadworks and more

Using V2V technology, electric Volvo models can inform other drivers of road hazards
News
26 Aug 2026

Most Popular

New Volkswagen ID.3 GTI: the most powerful GTI ever has arrived
Volkswagen ID.3 GTI - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 GTI: the most powerful GTI ever has arrived

Rear-wheel drive, over 320bhp and a new GTI-mode bring the fire to VW’s ID.3 Neo
News
16 Sep 2026
Car Deal of the Day: super 373-mile Skoda Enyaq is a bargain for under £300 a month
Skoda Enyaq front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: super 373-mile Skoda Enyaq is a bargain for under £300 a month

The Skoda Enyaq is easily one of the best electric SUVs money can buy. It’s our Deal of the Day for 15 September
News
15 Sep 2026
New Dodge Charger 2026 review: real US muscle makes some UK sense
Dodge Charger Sixpack - front cornering

New Dodge Charger 2026 review: real US muscle makes some UK sense

The Dodge Charger is both characterful and practical, but it's likely to be a rare sight on UK roads.
Road tests
17 Sep 2026

Find a car with the experts