self drivers

Don’t try this at home! A suggestive photo published by Volvo to illustrate the advantages of semi self-driving cars. Experts think that even before 2020, the combination of adaptive cruise control and autonomous brake systems will allow drivers of cars in the premium segment to cruise along in convoy, without having to pay attention what is happening in front.

Part 1 of ADA revealed a long history of attempts to create a self-driving automobile, while Part 2 discussed the political, social and legal issues confronting such vehicles. In Part 3, Gijsbert-Paul Berk considers the needs and fears of the marketplace.

By Gijsbert-Paul Berk

Li Shufu (Li), Chairman of the Chinese Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely and Volvo), has confided in an interview with Chengdu Business Daily (CBD) in February, that his company has as goal to produce fully autonomous automobiles by 2020. This may be a reasonable goal if China does not have to deal with the complex politics and legal systems in place in Europe and the U.S.

Carlos Ghosn: The industry is ready, but are the legislators?

Back in Europe, Carlos Ghosn, head of the Renault-Nissan alliance, declared at a recent meeting at the French Automobile Club in Paris, “Cars that drive themselves can be on the roads four years from now, provided red tape does not get in the way. The problem isn’t technology, it’s legislation, and the question of liability that goes with these cars moving around … especially who is responsible once there is no longer anyone inside.” [Read more…]