The Autonomous Car Revolution is on the move and car makers are all looking to take the turn. The growth of connected and electric cars is pushing manufacturers to become mobility service providers, especially as new technology players such as Google and Apple are throwing themselves into the battlefield.
The main players in the rise in global warming are really aware of the challenges of the connected car. China is pushing for electric vehicles and even pushing companies to invest in research.
The innovation race is raging for all manufacturers: Damler recently announced a collaboration with Bosh to be able to present autonomous vehicles within 10 years. Volkswagen relies on Moia, its future brand of mobility services. German giant is convinced that this is the niche to take, knowing that fewer and fewer people are going to consider the purchase of a car not necessary but rather to call for punctual services. PSA, for its part, puts its strategy at the heart of the development of carsharing services.
Statistical forecasts of the benefits of putting robot-taxis into circulation are impressive: in the next 20 years or so, the latter could concentrate 40% of the sector’s profits alone. In addition, demand for the purchase of a car is expected to fall by 30%. Car makers who don’t invest then risk finding themselves between lost sheep.
On the other hand, this technology race tends to make the electrical transition more difficult and costly. Indeed, manufacturers fear low returns on investment given the low demand and a manufacturing cost 20% higher than a gasoline vehicle.
Finally, electric vehicles do not yet compete with thermal cars for ease of use, with their still limited battery life and long charging time.
