In Geneva between manufacturers debate rages on e-car – ANSA.it

(Envoy Graziella Marino)

GENEVA – Among the wide variety of models multi-tasking, suitable ie as SUVs to meet the pragmatic needs of a European market that wants to leave, at this year’s Geneva Motor Show is also a stone guest: the cars to autonomous driving. A vehicle that does not exist yet in practice, if not at the level of initial testing, but it could get to within 5 years on roads, at least according to recent projects released by Google and Apple .

However, if the ‘ i-car were to establish itself and the car that drives itself were to move from imagination to reality, to the traditional automobile manufacturers could be a problem . Or not? This has been much debated in these first two days of the Show. And the conclusion seems to be that the major players in the industry do not underestimate at all competition fielded by the giants of technology and internet in the car world connected, but still think that the time to get the car that drives itself are still long. At least that is how two of the most advanced manufacturers in testing the car connected as Daimler and BMW- The first, who invented the modern car with a combustion engine, is grappling with the project MercedesMe , while rival BMW is pushing on ConnectedDrive .

“We believe we are well equipped to guide technological development in many areas – said Dieter Zetsche , a number of Daimler -. We are open and alert to any intrusion from everywhere ” but ” I do not think – said – that next year we will discuss in Geneva Apple or Google car ”. In the second game of the car of the future fact Zetsche is not yet clear who will play the role of technology companies. more cautious on the game and on autonomous driving car ” ‘entry of players who have never built cars before’ ‘the CEO of BMW Reithofer who stressed that’ ‘be the established players do not is always a guarantee of success ”. ” The typewriters have been replaced by personal computers and many had underestimated it. And the auto industry is not immune to new players who have expertise in the software and auto-related ”. According to Reithofer ” could emerge as serious competitors, but in 10-15 years ”.

Another factor that intimidates the big names in the world of the car in Geneva is also the size of Apple: a market capitalization of $ 750 billion is a value achieved by Daimler, Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and General Motors combined. Among the manufacturers still two trends are emerging in addressing the issue of the car of the future: do everything in-house or rely on software companies, external partners.

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