For the study 'Self-Driving Vehicles, Robo-Taxis and the Urban Mobility Revolution', Boston Consulting Group and the World Economic Forum spent three years asking around 5,500 consumers in 27 cities around the world for their opinion on autonomous driving.

The results showed that around 60% of respondents worldwide would probably or very probably use a self-driving car. Interestingly, 43.5% of interviewees cited the prospect of being freed from the annoying search for a parking space in the city as the main reason for their interest in such vehicles. Multitasking, i.e. the ability to use driving time productively, is what makes autonomous driving interesting for 39.6% of respondents. And 35% of them hope that switching to self-driving mode will make driving in heavy traffic and congestion more relaxed and enjoyable.

However, these arguments in favor of self-driving cars appear to be received differently by consumers, as the survey also makes clear. In countries such as India and China, 85% and 75% of respondents respectively would like to be driven by a so-called robot car. In the USA, 53% of consumers have a positive attitude towards autonomous driving, while acceptance in Europe decreases from 49% in the UK to 45% in Germany and 40% in the Netherlands. Only France stands out here with 58% approval. At the bottom of this global ranking is Japan, where only 36% of respondents are willing to entrust themselves to an autonomous vehicle

Fewer doubts in countries with less car tradition

Where do these different reactions to autonomous driving come from? According to the authors of the study by the World Economic Forum and the Boston Consulting Group, they are mainly due to various historical developments. The analysis states that the countries in the lower acceptance range generally have a long car culture dating back more than 100 years. This is certainly the case in Europe, where most adults grew up with cars. In this country, it is not for nothing that people talk about "the German's favorite child". In addition, "free travel for free citizens" on the old continent still stands for a degree of independence, and the car itself is seen as an expression of individuality. In addition, psychologists say that Europeans - and Germans in particular - have a widespread aversion to new things and, in particular, technical progress, which is said to run counter to the need for safety.

Countries with a high level of approval for autonomous driving, on the other hand, generally do not have such a long car tradition. People there are also more aware of the negative effects of too many cars and growing traffic problems: congested roads and high levels of air pollution affect quality of life. In addition, countries with an affinity for robotic cars usually do not have the same level of public transportation as Europe.