Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes said the development of new technology has the potential to save thousands of lives and generate 320,000 jobs as well as £51 billion for the UK economy.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "These projects will help profoundly change the way we travel within years, transforming our roads by making travel a simpler experience for drivers, reducing accidents and helping traffic flow more smoothly.
"They will also bring great benefits to our society and the wider economy by opening up new routes for global investment.
"This is a landmark moment and will allow Britain to lead the way in the testing of connected and autonomous vehicles."
Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who is due to visit the autonomous vehicles test bed in Nuneaton, added: "Our cars of the future will be equipped with the technologies that will make getting from A to B safer, faster, and cleaner.”
Source: http://telegraph.feedsportal.com/c/32726/f/579309/s/4d439d2f/sc/28/l/0L0Stelegraph0O0Cnews0Cuknews0C121330A610CDriverless0Ecar0Eprojects0Ereceive0E20Am0Efunding0Eboost0Bhtml/story01.htm