Autonomous driving is increasingly popular with consumers, especially to millennials and Chinese customers. If the present still raises some doubts, especially in terms of safety, self-driving cars could become very popular in the near future. This is demonstrated by a study conducted by Capgemini Research Institute entitled “The Autonomous Car: A Consumer Perspective” out of 5.538 consumers from six countries in Europe, North America and Asia as of December 2018.
The analysis shows that in the next 5 years, the number of drivers who opt for autonomous driving will double. In fact, from a percentage point of view, today only 25% of consumers would prefer a self-driving vehicle to a traditional one, but if the reference horizon extends to the next five years, more than half of those interviewed (52%) say that driverless cars will be their preferred mode of transportation by 2024.
At the basis of these answers there are several reasons: the benefits of autonomous vehicles in terms of fuel savings (73%), reduction of emissions (71%) and time savings (50%). Furthermore, according to the study, expectations on the future of self-driving cars are very high, as is optimism, "so much so that - writes Capgemini - more than half of consumers (56%) declare they are willing to pay up to 20% in more for a self-driving vehicle than a traditional one.”
Ma what will these drivers do when they finally get hold of these cars? “Nearly half of respondents (49%) said they would be comfortable with a self-driving car running errands for them; more than half (54%) would happily let a self-driving vehicle drop off or pick up friends and family who don't drive, while one in two respondents (50%) expect this type of car to save time so they can devote to other activities – such as socializing, having fun, working or simply enjoying the journey (by car)," reads the study.
However, whether self-driving vehicles will enter our daily lives by 2024 will depend above all on the perception we will have of them. Their purchase will be conditioned above all by the guarantees we will have on the safety of the vehicle (73%) and systems (72%).
Domenico Cipollone, Automotive Director, Capgemini Business Unit Italy, said: “Our report highlights a high level of optimism and enthusiasm among potential users of self-driving vehicles. Until now, most of the debates have mostly been about the technological evolution of driverless cars, so it's extremely encouraging to see that future passengers are also realizing the potential benefits of this technology. Customer expectations of in-car experiences will not only impact the automotive industry, but also other industries such as media and entertainment, retail and healthcare services, supporting a tremendous increase in collaborative business opportunities”.
"However, a degree of uncertainty and concern remains. Automotive companies entering the self-driving vehicle market must consider the expectations and fears of their future customers, shifting the focus of their operations from product to services and consumer orientation,” he added.
the car manufacturers it will therefore be essential to communicate the capabilities of the vehicle in absolute transparency, to be able to reassure customers by investing in the safety elements of the vehicles and making them known carefully, to set up an ecosystem of services that involves the technological, content and commercial sectors and to invest into software.
