• 66% of car dealers say there will be a high level of demand for used self-driving cars by the mid-2030s
• 54% say that if the technology is proven to be safe, people will buy it, and 36% that several manufacturers are planning to equip their cars soon
• However, 21% believe it will take longer for consumers to trust autonomous models, shows April’s Startline Used Car Tracker

April’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 54% say that if the technology is proven safe, people will buy it, while 36% point out that several manufacturers are planning to fit it to their cars soon.

Also, 30% think autonomy will have a strong appeal for specific groups of motorists, such as high mileage drivers, while 28% say it promises less stressful, safer driving.               

However, 21% predict it will take a long time for people to trust the technology, 11% that people will still want to drive and 10% say there is not much demand for existing autonomous capabilities on used cars.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “The first trials of autonomous taxis are already underway in London and the government’s plan is for the technology to be applied to more and more vehicles over time if testing is successful.

“This means it is perfectly feasible there will be at least some self-driving cars on the used market within a decade and we wanted to find out how dealers think this development will play out, especially examining how consumers will react.

“Our research reveals a high degree of positivity. Dealers forecast that if the technology is proven to be safe and delivers on its promise of less stressful driving and fewer accidents, then there will be a ready market.”

The Tracker also asked whether used car buyers would be willing to pay a premium for self-driving, including a regular subscription cost, with 80% agreeing.                                              

Paul said: “It’s likely that at least some manufacturers will want to offer their autonomous technology on a subscription basis to generate a regular revenue stream. It’s notable that a high percentage of dealers believe motorists will be willing to pay.”

Compiled monthly by APD Global Research – well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs – the Startline Used Car Tracker this month questioned 300 consumers and 61 dealers.