Bosch and Daimler are developing driverless cars which can be summoned via a smartphone app, with plans to have them on the road by the end of the decade.

Bosch and Daimler are aiming to have autonomous cars in cities by 2020

Aiming to improve the appeal of car sharing services, the development alliance will mean inner-city passengers can book a vehicle via a smartphone app, which will then collect them from wherever they are. The aim is to have vehicles on the road by 2020, and in production as soon as possible.

City driving is more complicated for autonomous vehicles, as it’s more prone to variables such as pedestrians and traffic at complicated junctions than motorway driving, where vehicles are all moving in the same direction.

In turn, it’s hoped that this will enable those without a licence to have their own personal form of transport, and to help occupants use their travel time more productively. The companies said the technology will also benefit traffic flow, and enhance road safety.

For more of the latest industry news, click here.