Aussies not ready for advanced technology despite tech take off

As Tesla and Chinese brands push on with advanced features, new research reveals most Aussies aren’t keen on one specific advancement.

EXCLUSIVE: As several brands set to launch full self-driving technology on Australian roads, new research reveals many Aussies aren’t ready to take their hands off the wheel.

According to Mycar Mobility Index, a mere 19 per cent of Australians said they would be willing to use a fully autonomous vehicle for most or all of their journey.

Additionally, 40 per cent said they don’t feel comfortable giving up full control.

Many said they don’t know enough about the technology or either don’t feel safe using it.

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Sydney-based marketing professional Tara isn't excited about fully autonomous vehicles but nervous. Picture: Supplied

When Sydney-based marketing professional Tara first heard about fully autonomous vehicles, she didn’t feel excited but nervous.

“Honestly, it makes me feel uneasy,” she said.

“Driving involves so many unpredictable situations – like if someone runs into the street or there’s a sudden change in weather. It’s hard to imagine sitting back and trusting a car to make those split-second decisions for me.”

Despite driving a Honda Civic that has cruise control, lane assist and parking sensors, Tara said she rarely uses the features and has no plans to embrace full autonomy anytime soon.

The findings by mycar Mobility Index also reveal that driver trust is lacking and far behind the rapidly evolving technology we’re seeing on Australian roads.

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A Waymo autonomous self-driving Jaguar taxi drives along a street in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Mycar chief customer officer Adele Coswello said the industry is still facing major trust problems and that is holding back adoption.

“Autonomous technology has the potential to change how we move, but right now, trust is the biggest roadblock,” she said.

“This year’s Mobility Index shows that many Australians are still unsure – not just about the safety of self-driving cars, but how they work and what they mean for everyday drivers.”

Even smart technology in today’s vehicles are being under-utilised.

Only 1 in 3 are using assisted driving technology like cruise control (32 per cent), lane assist (31 per cent), brake assist (28 per cent) or parking assistance (22 per cent).

That’s despite more than 76 per cent having this technology in their car.

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Amazon's self-driving company Zoox testing its autonomous vehicle. Picture: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Coswello believes the reason many drivers aren’t using assisted driving technology is because automakers are failing to explain them.

“Only a small number of Aussies are embracing the smart systems that are available in the vehicles of today, and we believe the industry needs to build understanding and confidence in assisted driving technologies. That includes ensuring technicians are upskilled in the latest technologies and systems to help educate drivers. By doing so, we can help prepare drivers for the future – one service and one conversation at a time,” she said.

The lack of technical explanations is something Tara has experienced first-hand.

“I’d also want to see more clear, straightforward explanations from car companies about how the systems work, what their limitations are, and what kind of back up measures are in place. Most importantly, though, I’d want to know I could quickly and easily take back control if something didn’t feel right,” she said.

Despite more than 76 per cent of respondents having some form of assisted driving technology, only 1 in 3 are using it. Picture: Supplied

She also believes brands are failing to strike the right tone in delivery.

“A lot of the messaging feels too technical or overly optimistic. I think companies need to do a better job of breaking things down in plain language and addressing the real concerns people have,” she said.

“This would help to build trust and reassurance that the technology works, and that there are the right safeguards in place.”

Internationally, car brands like XPeng, Nio and BYD are racing ahead offering level 3 and 4 autonomous capabilities in their home market.

Tesla’s Full-Self Driving technology is about to launch in the US next week in their robotaxis.

But Australia looks a little more cautious and Australian drive like Tara are happy to keep their hands on the wheel.