How Do You Feel About Self Driving Cars?

• Sales of fully autonomous cars could amount to around 2.5% of total sales in five years time. Source
• Fully autonomous trucking is expected to reach viability between 2028 and 2031. Source
• Blind spot detection is a consistent favorite AI feature among consumers in the US. Source
• Driver facial monitoring is the least desirable feature, possibly due to privacy concerns. Source

‍

AI isn’t just for laptops and smartphones - it’s everywhere from our credit card providers to on our roads. AI is revving up everything from safety features to how cars are made. But let's face it, self-driving cars can be a bit of a head-scratcher for most of us. We're used to lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control but how far are we from a truly self driving car?  

In this article, we'll break down how people feel about AI in their cars, where we're at with self-driving tech, and where the industry's headed. We'll also look at how this tech is generally viewed and how those views are changing.

What's the Buzz About AI in Cars?

AI is already changing the way we drive. You might not even realize it, but if you've got a newer car, it's probably packing some serious AI smarts.

Here are a few ways AI is showing up in today's cars:

• Smarter safety features: AI's making things like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning even better. It helps your car "see" the road and react faster than you could.
• Building trust: All this AI wizardry is creating advanced simulations that not only meet, but exceed, safety regulations, boosting consumer trust in our increasingly connected vehicles.
• Smarter manufacturing: Car makers are using AI to streamline everything from design to production. Ford's using it to enhance assembly lines, reduce waste, and boost productivity.
• Proactive maintenance: AI can predict when your car needs a check-up, helping you avoid breakdowns and keeping your ride in tip-top shape.
• Personalized experience: Automakers are launching personalized services and virtual assistants that turn mundane interactions into seamless, intuitive journeys. BMW, for instance, is using AI to leverage voice recognition technology, letting drivers command navigation and music with just a word.

What's the Hold-Up with Self-Driving Cars?

You've probably heard a lot about self-driving cars, but you might not see them on every street corner yet. That's because there are a few things the industry's still working through.

• Tech hurdles: Self-driving cars need to handle tricky stuff like bad weather and unexpected situations.
• Rules of the road: Governments are still figuring out how to regulate these cars, which varies a lot between different states.
• Building trust: A lot of people are still unsure about handing over the wheel to a computer.

What You Think About Self-Driving

S&P Global Mobility surveyed 8,000 drivers across eight countries in 2024, and it turns out people are getting more and more used to those handy driver-assistance features we talked about earlier. Features like park assist, collision warning, and lane assistance are the most popular, probably because most car makers offer them as standard.

But here's the thing: even though folks are digging these features, they're not always keen on paying extra for them. It seems like many of you think these safety features should be included in the base price of your car.

When it comes to full self-driving, trust is a big issue. People are still a bit skeptical about handing over total control to a computer. Safety ratings and certifications can help ease those concerns, and many drivers are willing to pay more for cars with top-notch safety.