Key points from KPMG survey of UK automotive executives
- 58% expect demand for autonomous cars inside 15 years
- 79% see hybrid electric powertrain preference by 2030
- 54% predict drivers/owners will guard data from connected cars
- 38% cite trust with data a key issue with only 10% trust in governments, 21% in manufacturers
BRITISH automotive executives expect autonomous vehicles to drive consumer purchasing decisions in the next 15 years – and most will be hybrids, according to KPMG’s Global Automotive Executive Survey 2016.
And KPMG says the autonomous future is bright and that letting the preferably hybrid car do the driving promises a prosperous outlook for Britain and its automotive and logistics industries and beyond.
The survey found that 58% of UK automotive executives expect self-driving vehicles to be a part of consumers purchasing criteria by 2030.
John Leech, UK head of automotive at KPMG said: “The UK has the best regulatory framework for testing autonomous vehicles, world-leading telecoms and insurers and is therefore well-positioned to capitalise on the continued development of autonomous cars.
“Sure, if you want to design the software for these vehicles go to Silicon Valley, but if you want to study their impact on infrastructure and other road users then the UK is a great place to be.
“Not only will testing help vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers, it will establish new companies and sectors such as integrated transport, centralised traffic management and connected lifestyle that will bolster jobs, trade, productivity, promote social inclusion, reduce pollution and save lives.
“This represents an important opportunity for the global economy and one that requires continued focus and commitment from Government and Business.”
The report also found that technology will play a key role in how customer relationships are formed and managed – 54% of the respondents said that in the next 15 years, vehicle owners/drivers – not manufacturers or IT companies – will be guardians of their data generated from connected cars, as 38% cite trust as the main issue.
Leech continued: “Self-driving technologies such as automated emergency braking is already in high demand by consumers. The development of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications represents the next big step in safety and convenience.
Over the next 15 years, UK automotive executives expect BMW (58%) and Toyota (54%) will increase their overall market share and that Toyota will lead the way in self-driving technologies.
“However, less than 10% of consumers trust governments or technology companies with their data and only 21% trust vehicle manufacturers. Consumer trust remains a substantial barrier that governments and companies need to focus on,” said Leech.
Optimisation of the internal combustion engine remains important as previous years. The survey revealed that 63% of UK automotive executives highlighted that downsizing and optimising internal combustion engine as important, and that hybrid electric vehicles would be the powertrain of choice (79%) by 2030.
“The drive to develop hybrid electric vehicles is fuelled not only by growing environmental pressures. Our survey revealed that UK consumers already prefer hybrids over conventional internal combustion engines, as such vehicles blend the advantages of quietness, responsiveness and range. I now expect an acceleration of take-up of hybrids by consumers,” concluded Leech.
Finally, over the next 15 years, UK automotive executives expect BMW (58%) and Toyota (54%) will increase their overall market share and that Toyota will lead the way in self-driving technologies.
