Government and business stalling self-drive
Audi's chief Rupert Stadler says his company could introduce autonomous cars almost immediately.
Autonomous cars are parked just around the next corner but the key to their suitability is being held by governments and big business, Audi says.
Audi's chief Rupert Stadler says his company could introduce cars with the technology almost immediately. "We have spent three years developing an autonomous car and we have shown it at Geneva, in a TT, in 2011," he tells Carsguide at Frankfurt motor show.
"We believe it is coming but it's up to other factors than us. There are repercussions to the driver, the car owner, the passengers, the public and so on."
Mr Stadler says a time frame before 2020 is "realistic" but regulation could change that. "It doesn't depend on us. It's now up to governments, regulations and businesses such as insurance."
"Yes, we've had the technology to build a car and operate it without a driver at up to 130km/h. We've driven that in Nevada."
"But the technology will also be expensive. There is a big investment in the pre-production phase. We also have to make a business case from this. It will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary and I think will take some time."
The reporter is on Twitter: @cg_dowling
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