Ford study shows increased adoption of semi-autonomous car technology across Europe
A study by Ford has revealed that whilst completely autonomous vehicles are still far off, drivers are embracing semi-autonomous technologies such as parking and collision aids.
The 2015 edition of Ford Car Buying Trends studied new car buying trends in 22 European countries, highlighting trends across countries and regions. The study found a significant increase in the purchase of vehicles with semi-autonomous technologies on-board.
Figures produced in the study showed that One in three Ford cars sold in the past year were equipped with parking systems and nearly twice as many cars were equipped with automatic braking technology compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, more than three in four drivers bought cars with voice-control systems that can be used to make calls, play music, find restaurants, and set navigation.
Roelant de Waard, vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford of Europe commented: "While manufacturers including Ford are working toward autonomous vehicles, our customers are already embracing many of the smart technologies that make driving and parking easier and safer. We are seeing increasing demand for features that relieve the stresses of driving, and make it more enjoyable for example, people have very quickly become accustomed to systems that help them to find a suitable parking space and reverse into it."