ANN ARBOR, MI - The automotive industry appears to be on the cusp of revolutionary change, engendered by the advent of autonomous or “self-driving” vehicles, according to a report by KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

The report, titled Self-Driving Car: The Next Revolution, is based on interviews with technologists, automotive industry leaders, academicians and regulators - as well as research and analysis of industry trends. The study examines the forces of change, the current and emerging technologies, the path to bring these innovations to market, the likelihood that they will achieve wide adoption from consumers and their potential impact on the automotive ecosystem.

"For the past 100 years, the automotive industry has been a force for innovation and economic growth," said Gary Silberg, national automotive industry leader for KPMG LLP and co-author of the report. “Now the pace of innovation is speeding up and the industry is on the brink of a new technological revolution with 'self-driving' vehicles. If they become a mainstream reality, it would be profoundly disruptive to the automotive ecosystem and may have far-reaching implications for the traditional automotive value chain and beyond.”

"For those who embrace innovation and opt to lead rather than follow, a new frontier is opening in the realm of mobility services," said Richard Wallace, director, Transportation Systems Analysis at CAR and co-author of the report. “Some may ask if it is still just science fiction or if the market will accept them and pay for them. We think the answer is a resounding yes - the marketplace will not merely accept self-driving vehicles, it will be the engine pulling the auto industry forward."

Silberg added, “Like many of the industry leaders, academics, and policy makers interviewed, we believe the age of the self-driving vehicle is coming. But getting there will require that many pieces of a large puzzle fit together. When and how that will happen remain open questions.” According to the report, the convergence will happen and will have a positive effect on the adoption of both systems. They think drivers will take the leap. Convergence will bring enhanced mobility and safety and reduced environmental impacts. It may also have far-reaching implications for the traditional automotive value chain and beyond.