More than 1.5 million new cars registered in the UK last year featured collision warning systems, new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has revealed.
According to the SMMT, 58.1% of new cars sold last year were fitted with collision warning systems – which provide visual and audio warnings in the event of an impending crash being likely – compared to 6.8% of new cars sold in 2010.
Autonomous emergency braking systems, meanwhile, were fitted to 39% of cars registered last year, with just under half of those buyers (18%) having the technology as standard, while blind spot monitoring systems were fitted to a third of cars last year, compared with less than 10% in 2010.
“Fully driverless cars are still a long way off from everyday use, but this data shows advanced autonomous technology is already making its way into the majority of new cars,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “Connected and autonomous cars will transform our society – vastly improving safety and reducing congestion and emissions – and will contribute billions to the economy.”
“The UK is already earning a reputation as a global development hub in this field, thanks to significant industry and government investment, and the ability to trial these cars on the roads right now,” he added.