Skip to main content

Volvo study says people want to maintain control of driverless cars

The first time I let a robot take the wheel, I was understandably nervous. As humans, it’s inherently difficult for us to give up control in our lives, and that nervousness is amplified when we’re rolling down the freeway at 70 mph. As it happens, I worked up the nerve to let my semi-autonomous test car take the controls, and with a bevy of radar sensors and cameras at the ready, the car stayed within the lanes and maintained speed effortlessly.

The jump from semi-autonomous to fully driverless is a big one though, and the concept of having no control on the road is a tough pill for most people to swallow. A new survey done by Volvo says 92 percent of consumers want a steering wheel in their driverless cars, as the large majority of respondents said they should be able to take control of autonomous cars at any moment. This sentiment falls in line with a new California proposal that would require a steering wheel, pedals, and a licensed driver in all self-driving vehicles.

Recommended Videos

“People have told us that they need to feel in control and have the choice of when to delegate driving to the car,” said Anders Tylman-Mikiewicz, General Manager of the Volvo Monitoring & Concept Center. “Today, that need is ultimately fulfilled with the presence of a steering wheel. Therefore, a steering wheel is necessary until those needs change.”

The study also posed the topic of accountability, and 81 percent of consumers agreed that car manufacturers, not individuals, should take responsibility when an accident involving a driverless car occurs. 90 percent of respondents also said autonomous cars should be able to pass a human driving test, and while 88 percent said piloted technology should respect “the love of driving,” 78 percent concurred that self-driving systems will make traveling time more useful and worthwhile.

Volvo has invested heavily in self-driving technology lately, most notably with the Concept 26 design study that debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show. In the automaker’s mind, Concept 26 previews what the interiors of future driverless cars could look like.

“With Concept 26, we shared part of our long-term vision for fully autonomous cars. Now we’re focused on future solutions and collaborations to deliver the best in car experience for people using these autonomous vehicles,” continued Tylman-Mikiewicz. “Imagine a highway of autonomous cars, each filled with people relaxing, enjoying their favorite TV shows in high-definition, or catching up on work. It’s exciting to think about.”

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
You can now lease a Hyundai EV on Amazon—and snag that $7,500 tax credit
amazon autos hyundai evs lease ioniq 6 n line seoul mobility show 2025 mk08

Amazon has changed how we shop for just about everything—from books to furniture to groceries. Now, it’s transforming the way we lease cars. Through Amazon Autos, you can now lease a brand-new Hyundai entirely online—and even better, you’ll qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit if you choose an electric model like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, or Kona EV.
Here’s why that matters: As of January 2025, Hyundai’s EVs no longer qualify for the tax credit if you buy them outright, due to strict federal rules about battery sourcing and final assembly. But when you lease, the vehicle is technically owned by the leasing company (Hyundai Capital), which allows it to be classified as a “commercial vehicle” under U.S. tax law—making it eligible for the credit. That savings is typically passed on to you in the form of lower lease payments.
With Amazon’s new setup, you can browse Hyundai’s EV inventory, secure financing, trade in your current vehicle, and schedule a pickup—all without leaving the Amazon ecosystem.
It’s available in 68 markets across the U.S., and pricing is fully transparent—no hidden fees or haggling. While Hyundai is so far the only automaker fully participating, more are expected to join over time.
Pioneered by the likes of Tesla, purchasing or leasing vehicles online has been a growing trend since the Covid pandemic.
A 2024 study by iVendi found that 74% of car buyers expect to use some form of online process for their next purchase. In fact, 75% said online buying met or exceeded expectations, with convenience and access to information cited as top reasons. The 2024 EY Mobility Consumer Index echoed this trend, reporting that 25% of consumers now plan to buy their next vehicle online—up from 18% in 2021. Even among those who still prefer to finalize the purchase at a dealership, 87% use online tools for research beforehand.
Meanwhile, Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study reveals that while 86% of U.S. consumers still want to test-drive a vehicle in person, digital tools are now a critical part of the buying journey.
Bottom line? Amazon is making it easier than ever to lease an EV and claim that tax credit—without the dealership hassle. If you're ready to plug in, it might be time to add to cart.

Read more
Gemini AI coming to cars as Android Automotive update suggests it’s due soon
The 6.8-inch Pioneer digital media receiver installed in a vehicle's dashboard.

Google appears to be getting ready to sends its Gemini AI into cars through an Android Automotive update.

This would make sense as Android Automotive already uses Google's Assistant to help with those much-needed in-car hands-free requests.

Read more
Watch from the passenger seat as the new Porsche 911 GT3 sets a record at the Nürburgring
911 GT3 with Weissach Package (Manual Transmission), Nürburgring Nordschleife 2025, Porsche AG

If you've ever wanted to race at top speeds around one of the most iconic racetracks in the world, then now is your chance. A new Porsche 911 GT3 just set a record for the fastest time around the Nürburgring in a road car with a manual transmission, knocking almost 10 seconds off the previous best time. And Porsche has released a video of the run filmed from the cockpit, so you can experience the thrills for yourself.

The record was set by legendary driver and Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister at the wheel of a 911 GT3 with the Weissach package, setting a time of 6:56.294. That's 9.5 seconds ahead of the previous record set by the Dodge Viper ACR in 2017 -- though there's some math involved in these time calculations as the track was reconfigured in 2019.

Read more