Imagine for a moment a car that can park itself or is able to travel hundreds of kilometers without any driver? After the autonomous car made by Google, other major car manufacturers such as Mercedes -Benz or Audi presented in turn their vision of the autonomous car. With a big entrance at CES 2015, the Consumer Electric Show, the autonomous car is undoubtedly one of the most important trends in automotive industry.
Who are the manufacturers of these autonomous cars?
Audi has particularly made a strong impression by organizing a major demonstration. An Audi A7 drove 900 km from Silicon Valley to Las Vegas where CES 2015 was held. This event was unprecedented in the automotive world.
For their part, Mercedes-Benz has also unveiled its autonomous car project, F 015 Luxury in Motion, a concept car that seems to come from the future. The driver decides on the speed and chooses the itinerary to take but he is supported in these tasks he can’t perform, like for example, maintaining a continuously peripheral vision.
The Cruise4U of French supplier Valeo could be seen driving in the streets of Las Vegas and Volvo already stated that from 2017, they would put a hundred autonomous cars into circulation.
When will we see autonomous cars in our streets?
Several manufacturers are ready to launch their autonomous car in the upcoming years, but will the law be adapted to these changes and at what price will this kind of car be sold?
Several states in the United States have already introduced new laws allowing these cars to be tested in real conditions. Therefore, the country has imposed itself as a pioneer in this field while Europe is lagging behind.
While automation is already used in modern cars, for the moment it remains under- exploited. In European countries, traffic rules indicate indeed that the driver must have full control of his vehicle at all times, which is just the opposite of the autonomous car.
For now, not much more progress. But all manufacturers and suppliers hope that by 2017, when they hope to put the first autonomous cars into circulation, legislation will have been adapted.
As this car is often associated with luxury car manufacturers, another obstacle to its development will be the price. Given the context, CEO of Ford, Mark Fields already announced that the day they launch an autonomous car, they will ensure that it is accessible to everyone.
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