Manhattan may be first to test self-driving cars in New York state

Manhattan may become the first self-driving car testing grounds in New York State, according to governor Andrew M Cuomo, who announced yesterday that General Motors, via its start-up subsidiary Cruise Automation, has applied for testing the new technology in early 2018 in the borough.

The company has also started mapping a test site in Manhattan, according to the governor's office and will submit its full application to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which will then issue any permits. The State Police will supervise the testing.

The announcement, however, drew little enthusiasm from various corners, and officials in the administration raised concerns about the programme.

''The city wasn't given much notice of this idea and we certainly weren't consulted,'' said Eric Phillips, a spokesman for mayor Bill de Blasio. ''We have very real safety concerns. We are obviously looking forward to some detail on this idea before any cars hit the streets.''

''Autonomous vehicles have the potential to save time and save lives,'' Cuomo said in a statement. ''The spirit of innovation is what defines New York, and we are positioned on the forefront of this emerging industry.''

According to commentators, though, it is not yet clear if a demand for self-driving cars does exist; several studies seem to indicate that for the most part, consumers do not yet seem to want them.

Electric Chevrolet Bolt cars will be used in the tests, which will come equipped with cameras, radar, sensors and Cruise Automantion's software. GM and Cruise currently have a registered fleet of 100 autonomous Bolts, according to GM spokesman Patrick Sullivan. The fleet is already operating San Francisco, Phoenix and the Detroit area.

The tests will be conducted with an engineer behind the wheel and an observer in the front passenger seat. According to Sullivan the testing will start with a small fleet that will grow incrementally to ensure safety and legal compliance.

''Bringing this lifesaving technology to New Yorkers safely and quickly is our number one priority,'' Sullivan said.