A comprehensive study commissioned by Nissan Europe has revealed the full extent that autonomous vehicles will have on future economies.
The report, dubbed ‘Freeing the Road: Shaping the future for autonomous vehicles’, was compiled by Policy Network and says that, in the decades to come, self-driving vehicles will add 0.15 per cent to Europe’s annual growth rate. By the time 2050 ticks over, the reports claims these vehicles would have contributed a total of €17 trillion ($18 trillion) to Europe’s economy.
“This independent report highlights that we are in the midst of a social and economic revolution. It shows that autonomous technology will have a fundamental impact not just on the automotive industry but across European economies and societies and it suggests that leadership within all levels of government is needed,” said chairman of Nissan Europe, Paul Wilcox.
Alongside the report, a large consumer study of 6,000 adults across six European countries was conducted to assess how people think autonomous vehicles will benefit society.
Of the respondents, 58 per cent believe improved mobility for everyone will be one the greatest benefits. Additionally, a large proportion of those surveyed say a reduction in accidents caused by human error will greatly benefit society. Despite such optimism, only 23 per cent of those planning to buy a new car in five or more years from now said they would consider an autonomous car.
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