Connected and autonomous vehicles will transform the lives of six out of every 10 people in the UK, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Revolutionising Mobility in Society, the first UK-based study of the human impact of CAVs, canvassed the views of more than 3,600 respondents and found that this new technology will offer freedom to some of society’s most disadvantaged, including those with disabilities, older people and the young.
The research, conducted with Strategy&, PwC’s strategy consulting arm, shows CAVs have the potential to significantly reduce social exclusion. Six out of 10 (57%) people surveyed said this new technology would improve their quality of life.
For young people, the impact could be even greater, with 71% of those aged 17 to 24 believing their lives would be improved. Consumers are increasingly seeing the benefits of CAVs, with 56% feeling positive about them.
Young people were most excited, with almost half (49%) saying they would get into a CAV today if one were available.
The benefits of enhancing mobility for physically challenged or older drivers was also appealing to those who responded in the poll.