Oct 10, 2013 02:18 PM EDT
People Would Select a Driverless Car From Google Over Established Automakers

A new study released this week determined that people are more likely to use a self-driving vehicle from a company like Google over an established automaker like General Motors.

Automakers from all over the world are working on self-driving technology, though like with any vehicle, it's up to an individual company to determine if people will actually purchase a car they don't have to drive.

"As cars evolve to become more highly complex computers that provide mobility, it's not far-fetched to imagine a day where our next cars are purchased from high-tech companies," said Gary Silberg, national automotive industry leader for KPMG LLP and author of the report, in a statement.  "We believe that self-driving cars will be profoundly disruptive to the traditional automotive ecosystem. Ultimately, the shape of the automotive future will depend on consumers - their needs, preferences, fears - and their pocketbooks."

Click here to see the complete study.

KPMG asked people about their "willingness" to ride in a self-driving car for everyday use, including cars from the best-known premium and mass-market automotive brands, and leading technology companies. 

Technology companies scored highest among consumers in the focus groups, with a median score of 8 on a scale of 1-10. Premium auto brands received a score of approximately 7.75, and mass-market brands received a score of 5, according to the study.

KPMG focus groups took place in three separate locations: Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Iselin, New Jersey.

"We realize significant hurdles and open questions remain, including safety, liability and even cyber-security concerns," said Silberg. "In addition, technological innovation often moves faster than legal or regulatory systems. However, we believe the market opportunities for self-driving vehicles and technologies are enormous, and innovative companies will continue to drive the technology forward."

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