Street Calls of the Week
Investing.com -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the European Union on Friday to develop self-driving cars to help revive the region’s automotive sector and enhance road safety.
Speaking at the Italian Tech Week in Turin, von der Leyen advocated for an "AI first" strategy across strategic industries, with a particular focus on mobility.
"Self-driving cars are already a reality in the United States and China. The same should be true here in Europe," she said, adding that "AI first" also meant "safety first".
The EU chief proposed creating a network of European cities to test autonomous vehicles, noting that 60 Italian mayors had already shown interest in participating.
"Let us make it happen," she urged.
Von der Leyen pledged the bloc’s support for developing vehicles "made in Europe, and made for European streets," suggesting that AI technology could reduce traffic congestion, connect remote areas to public transportation, and maintain employment in the sector.
"The future of cars – and the cars of the future – must be made in Europe," she emphasized.