Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is the name that defines innovation in various aspects of life; let it be Google glasses, Android operating system or the evolving search industry. Driverless car is the latest addition to it. The target of Google is efficient, safe and enjoyable driving. However this time around, Google is not welcomed by the automakers.
Google is spending billions of dollars every year to perfect their design and eliminate driver’s involvement in the process whereas the automakers are spending an equivalent amount to do just the opposite. With a huge capital to fund the research, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is spending the top dollars to acquire top talent from the universities and rival automakers to make its plan work. Further, the company has kept its mapping data out of bound for other automakers along with potential marketing plans for their vehicles.
On the contrary, major automakers consider these speculations unrealistic, especially about the period, which is required to manufacture driverless cars. The Transportation systems analysis director Richard Wallace, the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, said,
“Clearly there’s some sort of tension there” and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s technology highlights “lead to expectations creep that’s probably unrealistic in some ways.”
Unlike Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s approach to the technology, General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) displayed “Super Cruise” system that will allow drivers to enjoy highway driving without controlling the wheel or the pedals. Along with General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), other major companies displayed a similar technology at the Detroit conference.
Google has highlighted the social benefits of driverless cars such as driving ability for elders or blinds whereas other experts opposing the idea considering the liability issues in the accidents. Ken Koibuchi, Toyota Intelligent Vehicle Development Department, said,
“Driving is essentially very fun. Rather than making it seem like the driver can simply take a nap while sitting at the wheel, we need drivers to understand that there will be task-sharing involved, handing controls back and forth, and that overconfidence must be avoided.”
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s research investments are already adding pressure on automakers to extend their research spending.
This article has been written by Prakash Pandey.
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