Study

Three-quarters of new vehicles could be autonomous by 2035

Fans of the iconic 1980 comedy flick Airplane! may smirk at the image of a blow-up "autopilot" materializing on the controls of the not-quite-doomed aircraft. Those folks (c'mon, we know you're out there) may now imagine a similar site behind the wheel of a long-haul 18-wheeler. Think of it at Zucker Bros. meets B.J. and the Bear. Or something like that.

The concept of self-driving vehicles has been gaining traction during the past few years, and now Navigant Research says a legit self-driving vehicle could hit the market by the end of the decade with "significant" sales possibly arriving by 2025. More notably, Navigant says three-quarters of new-vehicle sales may be of the autonomous variety by 2035. The first transportation sector that could see substantial numbers of autonomous vehicles is long-distance delivery trucks, since those drivers spend long hours behind the wheel on freeways and highways, exactly where autonomous driving can be tremendously beneficial. You will find Navigant Research's press release below.

Last month, Tesla Motors chief Elon Musk said his electric vehicles will be able to be driven in 90-percent autonomous mode by next year, though he was a little short on details. And earlier this year, Google unveiled its first self-driving car, which doesn't even have manual controls (like pedals, brakes or a steering wheel). Just punch in an address and hold on tight.
Show full PR text
Three-Quarters of Vehicles Sold in 2035 Are Expected to Have Autonomous Capability, According to Navigant Research

Legislative and regulatory issues present the highest barriers to introduction, report concludes

November 06, 2014 03:44 PM Eastern Standard Time

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A recent report from Navigant Research analyzes the emerging global market for advanced driver assistance systems leading to semi-autonomous and autonomous driving, including global market forecasts for autonomous-capable vehicle sales and volumes of key autonomous driving features and associated revenue through 2035.

"Autonomous vehicles have been a goal of automotive engineers for many years, and the competition among automakers to bring autonomous features to market is accelerating"

The first vehicles with some level of self-driving capability are expected to come to market by 2020, with sales volumes for autonomous vehicles likely becoming significant by 2025. Although the legal and regulatory barriers to fully autonomous vehicles are high, the technology has the potential to transform the automobile industry and significantly lower roadway accidents. Click to tweet: According to a recent report from Navigant Research, the proportion of vehicles sold worldwide with some degree of autonomous capability is expected to reach 75 percent by 2035.

"Autonomous vehicles have been a goal of automotive engineers for many years, and the competition among automakers to bring autonomous features to market is accelerating," says David Alexander, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. "In the long term, vehicles with self-driving technology may provide the optimum solution for personal mobility on demand."

Among the most attractive markets for autonomous vehicles in the coming years, according to the report, will be point-to-point long-distance delivery trucks, which travel over motorways and freeways. Much like airline pilots, truck drivers could drive the vehicle through local roads to the highway, and the "auto-pilot" could then take control for the long-distance part of the journey, while the driver rests or conducts other business activities.

The report, "Autonomous Vehicles", analyzes the emerging global market for advanced driver assistance systems leading to semi-autonomous and autonomous driving. It provides a discussion of the benefits of self-driving vehicles and barriers to implementation. Global market forecasts for autonomous-capable vehicle sales and volumes of key autonomous driving features and associated revenue, segmented by region and feature, extend through 2035. The report also provides a review of the core driver assistance technologies that make self-driving vehicles possible, as well as in-depth profiles of the leading industry players. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team's research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals provide services that extend from expert and advisory work through implementation and outsourcing. The firm combines deep technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism to address clients' needs in highly regulated industries including Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.

Share This Photo X