Over half of all new cars registered in 2015 were fitted with some autonomous safety technologies, data from Jato Dynamics and The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has shown.

The most popular technology found was collision warning systems. 58.1% of the record 2.6m new cars registered in the UK in 2015 had some form of this technology installed – whether as standard or cost option. Five years ago, only 6.8% of new cars registered featured a collision warning system.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Other technologies were also becoming more popular. 39% of all new cars registered in 2015 featured autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring was in 35.8% of all new cars sold and 31.7% of new cars sold featured adaptive cruise control – up from 10% in 2010.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "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. 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."

The SMMT said the motor industry was investing heavily in autonomous technologies to make fully autonomous and connected vehicles possible. It said: "In the UK in particular, it is forecast that by 2030 the development, production and use of these systems could provide up to 320,000 new jobs and give an annual boost to the economy of £51 bn."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.