KPMG: Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index (AVRI) - January 2018 - eng (pdf)

The world is on the cusp of a transport revolution. Technology is transforming the industry, and the pace of innovation is accelerating.

It will affect us all. It will not only change the way we travel, but the way we live. It will change the way we spend our time at leisure, and at work. It will change the way businesses import materials, distribute their products, and employ staff.

Electric vehicles, mobility on demand, digital railways, drone deliveries and ultra-high speed trains are just some of the components of that revolution. But it is autonomous technology that will really transform our lives, because it will mean for the first time in history, mobility freedom will be available for everyone, everywhere.

Over the last couple of years, I have traveled extensively talking to governments, city authorities and businesses about the opportunity created by autonomous vehicles (AVs). While most believe it will be many years before fully autonomous travel is available to all, nearly everyone I have spoken with recognizes that the potential benefits of the autonomous revolution are enormous.

There will be economic benefits, because the time we currently spend driving a car becomes productive time in an AV that can be spent working, relaxing or sleeping. But moreover, there will be social benefit, including a vast reduction in the 1.3 million people killed each year in car accidents, and accessibility for those who currently cannot drive, because of age or disability.

But there are challenges too. Will AVs increase congestion? How can we limit the risks of criminal use? What public transport systems will we need in the future?

The size of the global opportunity, and the realization that all over the world authorities were grappling with the same questions, became the inspiration for this Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index (AVRI). If we could start to show what different countries were doing to prepare for the future, we could spread best practice and open up dialogue.

I hope in a small way this index may serve to accelerate the pace of change for the benefit of society everywhere.

Richard Threlfall
Global Head of Infrastructure
KPMG International