Mature markets in Asia Pacific and Japan are open to the idea of driverless cars

An Intel-sponsored survey conducted in select mature markets in Asia Pacific and Japan has shown that there is a high degree of awareness of driverless cars among respondents.

Over 51% of respondents showed willingness to buy or use a driverless car as a taxi, when available. Non-drivers showed a higher interest in using a driverless car as compared to drivers.

The Autonomous Driving survey, conducted by Intuit Research, polled 1,250 respondents from five countries and territories: Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. The survey was conducted online and covered car owner-drivers as well as non-drivers who use a taxi at least once a month.

In terms of benefits, driverless cars are environment friendly, enable a less stressful commuting experience, easier parking, predictable commute time and can be summoned. Safety aspects, such as the lack of safety standards in place as yet, the possibility that cars may not recognise and work in a new situation, and the possibility of such cars being hacked were the main concerns. Concerns were also higher among non-drivers.

When asked about features they would like in their dream cars, over 60% of respondents wanted their driverless car to be intelligent enough to avoid traffic jams as well as be able to charge on its own using solar energy.

“Driverless cars are one of the most interesting manifestations of technology that we will see in the next three to five years as it will positively impact so many segments of the society. In addition to being environment friendly, these driverless cars have the potential to save human lives by decreasing the number of accidents and allow mobility for the elderly and the disabled. Intel is working with various car manufacturers to help make what was once considered science fiction, a reality,” said Jerry Tsao, VP of sales and marketing group and MD, regional sales group, Intel Asia Pacific and Japan.

Additional country specific survey findings include:
On an average, respondents expect driverless cars to be commonly available in their countries in about six years, with Singaporeans hopeful of seeing them on the road the soonest. In fact, close to 30% of Singaporeans surveyed felt they will have driverless cars commonly available within three years.

Taiwan shows a very high degree of awareness about driverless cars at 94%, a very high inclination to buy driverless cars at 83%, whereas only 24% Australians showed interest in buying them. Among those who would consider a driverless car, 45% would be willing to concede a high degree or full autonomy* to the car.

Forty-seven percent would be willing to pay a premium of over 20% for a driverless car. Willingness to pay a premium is highest in Korea (62%) and lowest in Singapore (37%).

*The definition of a "high degree" of autonomy would be an automated driving system that will handle all aspects of driving, even if a human driver does not respond to a request to intervene. In "full autonomy", an automated driving system will handle all aspects of driving under all road and environmental conditions with no involvement from the human driver.