Driverless cars made news during the first quarter of 2015; creating the impression James Bond level technology had finally arrived. But whether or not we truly see this next potential stage in transport development as a positive is still very much up in the air. Of course, the makers of this automotive technology concentrated on the benefits it can provide such as creating 320,000 jobs in the UK, adding £51 billion to the country’s economy and lowering road accidents; however, many question exactly how the technology will deliver on such big promises.
Increased job opportunities
To bring enlightenment regarding these concerns, the companies promoting the driverless cars say that the increased job opportunities are the result of the new tasks that the automotive industry will demand in ensuring the efficacy of these vehicles. (Some believe these new jobs will make up for the decreased demand for the services of professional drivers). Manufacturing of new materials certainly will also require workers, ditto with maintenance. As for decreasing road accidents, driverless cars are designed for road precision – they do what’s expected of them very effectively.
For the logistics industry involved with the vehicle aftermarket, it is possible that driverless cars could present the possibility of “shortening the supply chain” as theoretically consumers could have their cars ‘updated’ at home rather than needing to make trips to the garage. This development may support customer loyalty through the convenience it presents however will consumers be happy to have their vehicles developed on-line rather than physically?.
Furthermore there’s still that concern regarding whether or not consumers will really warm up to driverless technology. Top supply chain consultancy services point out that drivers may feel quite differently about systems updates that could affect the safety of their vehicles and indeed those inside the car.
Driverless cars, may well prove to be a part of everybody’s future; the concept is intended for entirely good after all. It appears to be trustworthy enough in providing precise, well executed service but right now, many aspects of its potential are still at a theoretical level.