Ford Brings Test Autonomous Vehicles to Austin

Alright, alright, alright: Today, Ford announced that Austin, TX, will be its third autonomous vehicle (AV) launch market. No word on when self-driving chariots for Matthew McConaughey are coming.

On a call with reporters, Ford AV CEO Sherif Marakby said his team will begin mapping Austin's streets and then testing AVs in the downtown district and east side. As is par for the course, two safety drivers will ride shotgun. The tests will be carried out using retrofitted Fusion Hybrids, with tech supplied by Argo AI, Ford's self-driving partner in crime.

ATX situational awareness

Ford's AVs will contend with a city that's equal parts state capital, college campus, downtown, suburb, and brisket. As Austin has grown at breakneck speed, it's become a prime hub for congestion. Austin Mayor Steve Adler believes AVs are one solution to the city's transportation issues. Micromobility could be another: Austin has one of the U.S.' largest scooter markets.

Big picture: While other companies have delayed autonomous rollouts, Marakby said Ford is sticking with plans to launch a commercial self-driving service by 2021 in Miami, Washington D.C., and Austin. The automaker is developing a purpose-built hybrid vehicle specifically for its service.