A US Congress subcommittee has approved a bill to allow automakers to deploy up to 100,000 self-driving cars, which would not need to meet existing vehicle safety standards – a significant win for the automotive industry, which massively increases the potential scope of testing for both startups and incumbent automakers. The bill also bars state legislatures from imposing additional driverless car rules, meaning this should be the norm nationwide. If the legislation makes it through a Congressional vote and onto the President’s desk, it will help to accelerate the development of autonomous vehicle technology. Allowing automakers to test up to 100,000 vehicles is a step change on the current regulatory situation. Currently, states have the power; issuing approvals to automakers…