Autonomous cars to drive UK economy forward

Driverless cars could provide a real boost to the economy, potentially creating 300,000 new jobs.

The forecast was announced at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' (SMMT) SMMTConnected event in London. The first event of its kind, SMMTConnected was focused on the fringe benefits of forward-facing motoring technology, such as the £51 billion pounds that they could bring to the economy.

The SMMT also found that, between autonomous, connected and driverless cars, road accident numbers could fall by over 25,000 a year by the year 2030.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, says such technology will "transform" the UK's roads in the years ahead.

"The UK automotive industry is leading the way in developing the cars of the future and that it will act as a catalyst for wider economic benefits that will create more than 300,000 jobs by 2030," he explained.

The UK was the world's first country to trial Government-financed driverless technology across Milton Keynes, Bristol and four other locations only last month.
Mike Bell, global connected car director at Jaguar Land Rover, said: "The potential of the connected car is huge. It is certainly one of our top priorities and we are making a significant investment in the technology, skills and partnerships to make this a reality.

"Jaguar Land Rover is taking a leading role and is actively embracing the connected car. We have huge potential to ensure the car has a prominent role in the Internet of Things, which will enhance the driving experience and make driving smarter, safer and even cleaner in the years to come.”