The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 5,500 consumers in France, Sweden, the UK, China, the US and Germany for a study on autonomous driving . According to the findings, people are still rather hesitant, especially in Germany. While an average of a quarter of respondents in the countries concerned can imagine getting into a driverless car today, the figure in Germany is only 17%. Safety concerns play a particularly important role in this skepticism: most people do not yet believe that the technology is capable of reacting correctly in dangerous situations.

On the other hand, a particularly high 65% of Germans look forward to autonomous driving - once it works safely. More than half of the respondents in all countries are also prepared to pay up to 20% more for an autonomous vehicle than for a standard model; in Germany the figure is as high as 61%. In addition to being driven around, 54% of respondents thought it would be good if the vehicle could run errands on its own. Pick-up and drop-off services for people who cannot drive themselves are also desired. Half of respondents also hope for more efficiency in their lives, as the cars would allow them to pursue other activities while driving.

According to the study, the proportion of consumers who would prefer to travel in driverless cars is expected to double from the current 25% to 52% over the next five years and even attain 62% by 2029. Millennials, city dwellers and Chinese consumers are apparently particularly open to the development.