Consumer confidence in autonomous cars grows, but remain far on the horizon

Feb 27, 2018 | Biz/Tech

 

Toyota i-TRIL Concept electric vehicle exhibit at the 2018 Canadian International Auto Show (Noman Sattar)

Noman Sattar

Tesla Model 3 made its Canadian debut at the International Auto Show in Toronto last week, showing off the latest technology for self-driving cars.

More than 300,000 visitors attended the show to see not only the Tesla but other self-driving models from manufacturers including Nissan and Toyota.

Tesla Model 3 at the 2018 Canadian International Auto Show (Noman Sattar)

 

The Nissan Xmotion Concept car showcased at the 2018 Canadian International Auto Show (Noman Sattar)

The automotive industry is cruising into a future of self-driven car technology. The models at the auto show were fully autonomous prototypes but will not be available to consumers for many years. Right now cars are only equipped with limited semi-autonomous technology such as lane monitoring, parking assistance, and collision control.

“Another 15-to-20 year window before you see pods driving around and picking people as well as dropping them at their home. A lot of technology is present at the moment, but the government and infrastructure may cause the delay in autonomous driving,” said Jason Campbell, general manager of The Canadian International Auto Show.

The weather conditions in Canada are another challenge.

“Particular markets like the Canadian one has inclement weather, so these self-driving cars need to be able to handle themselves under ice, black ice, slush and freezing rain which they are not able to as of yet. No final agreements with insurance companies on who takes liability and responsibility if a self-driving car happens to be in an accident,” Campbell said.

 

MINI electric concept vehicle showcased at the 2018 Canadian International Auto Show (Noman Sattar)

 

People who were looking at the prototype of self-driven cars seemed excited to own them soon.

“Yes, the autonomous industry has been highly relevant to this auto show with the concept cars displayed with amazing designs and features, can’t wait till it comes to reality,” said auto show visitor Muneeb Ahsan. “Yes, I would definitely consider a good automated car if it were to make me feel comfortable and safe.”

Visitors to the auto show also enjoyed getting close to an incredible range of exotic gas-powered cars including Aston Martin, Bugatti, Bentley, Callaway Corvette, Karma, Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren, Pagani, and Rolls-Royce.

Pagani Huayra valued over the US $2.5 million showcased at the 2018 Canadian International Auto Show (Noman Sattar)

Exotic cars display at McLaren stand at The 2018 Canadian International Auto Show (Noman Sattar)

According to auto show organizers, the show has hit all-time in attendance records.

The Auto Show will return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Feb. 15 to 24, 2019.