Ford has promised a fully autonomous vehicle in commercial operation by 2021.

The carmaker has partnered or invested with four different technology companies to develop autonomous vehicles, and has doubled its presence in Silicon Valley. Built through Ford Smart Mobility, the vehicles will operate without a steering wheel and pedals within geo-fenced areas as part of a ride sharing or ride hailing experience.

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The vehicle is set to be classified as a SAE Level 4 capable vehicle, meaning it is one of high automation that can complete all aspects of driving without a human driver to intervene. The SAE classifications go from 0 to 5, which is full automation, where vehicles can perform all driving tasks, regardless of the environmental or roadway conditions.

Ford stated that it will be the first automotive maker to date to mass produce an autonomous vehicle with Level 4 capabilities.

Ford has committed to expanding its research in advanced algorithms, 3D mapping, radar technologies and camera sensors in preparation for the launch. The carmaker has partnered with Velodyne, SAIPS, Nirenberg Neuroscience LLC and Civil Maps to support the development of the vehicles.

Over the next two years, Ford plans to triple its autonomous vehicle test fleet to 90 Fusion hybrid sedans. The cars will be trialled in the states of California, Arizona and Michigan.

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Earlier this month, Ford announced a partnership with Volkswagen on the research and development of autonomous and electric vehicle technology.

The two companies will be co-investing in Argo AI – an autonomous vehicle platform, now valued at more than $7bn (£5.6bn). The collaboration enables both Ford and VW to independently integrate Argo AI’s self-driving system into their own vehicles.

“Looking ahead, even more customers and the environment will benefit from Volkswagen’s industry-leading EV architecture. Our global alliance is beginning to demonstrate even greater promise, and we are continuing to look at other areas on which we might collaborate,” said Herbert Diess, chief executive of Volkswagen.