Self-Driven Cars Discussion

Read the article about self-driven and electric cars. What are your feelings about this topic? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of using self-driven and electric cars? Are you daring enough to buy/drive a self-driven car?

Posting should be a minimum of one short paragraph and a maximum of two paragraphs. Word totals for each post should be in the 100-200 words range. Whether you agree or disagree, explain why with supporting evidence and concepts from the readings or a related experience. Include a reference, link, or citation when appropriate.

Volkswagen and Ford have said they will work together on developing selfdriving and electric cars in an attempt to reduce costs on new technologies. VW plans to invest $2.6bn (2.1bn) in Ford's self-driving unit, which is valued at $7bn. The move comes after the duo said in March they would build vans together. The two firms said whilst they remained "fiercely competitive" in the car market, the tie-up would give them "significant global scale" in new tech. The agreement is the latest example of once fierce industry rivals joining up to develop new technologies. In February, BMW and Daimler unveiled a joint venture covering newgeneration services such as driverless vehicles, ride-hailing, and pay-per-use cars. While late last year, Honda invested \$2.75bn (2.1 bn) in rival General Motors' driverless unit with a view to launching a fleet of unmanned taxis. There have been similar tie-ups between Tesla and Daimler, and Volvo and PSA, as well as a host of pacts between carmakers and tech firms. - Five reasons the car industry is struggling - Why are more and more car companies teaming up? - Ford and VW agree alliance to build vans As part of the deal, VW will become an equal stakeholder in Ford's self-driving cars venture, while Ford will get access to VW's electric vehicle technology. VW chief executive Herbert Diess said the firms were continuing to look at other areas which they could collaborate on. The tie-up "improves the positions of both companies through greater capital efficiency, further growth and improved competitiveness," he said. Prof Peter Wells, director of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research at Cardiff Business School, told the BBC earlier this year, that the increasing number of collaborations between car firms was aimed at lowering the risk and cost of developing new technologies. "The problem for the industry is that it is struggling to afford its own future. "The research and development to develop these new technologies also costs billions, so it makes sense to share the burden rather than duplicating," he said. Car firms are also facing new competitors in the industry such as Google and Uber which are also working on self-driving vehicles and have access to enormous financial resources