For decades, flying cars and self-driving vehicles have fuelled our collective imagination—amplified by books and films that painted a boundless technological future brimming with promise. Today, that future feels closer than ever. The electric and autonomous car stands as a symbol of this coming revolution: a vehicle that is more comfortable, safer, and—above all—more sustainable. It seemed inevitable. And yet, after years of technological advances and bold proclamations from companies like Tesla, a fundamental question remains: how close are we, really, to this vision becoming a reality?
Go deeper with GlobalData
Despite headlines heralding a transport revolution, the current reality of autonomous vehicles is more modest. Full autonomy remains confined to tightly controlled environments—certain neighbourhoods in San Francisco, or designated zones in China. In these areas, so-called robotaxis operate without human drivers, but rely on extremely detailed maps and conditions specifically designed to minimise risk. So why hasn’t this model expanded more widely? The answer lies in both technological and regulatory constraints.
Outside of these meticulously trained zones, autonomous vehicles face significant hurdles. The AI systems that power them must interpret every street, sign, and traffic behaviour, adapting in real time to an environment that is often unpredictable and chaotic. This technical barrier explains why fully autonomous private cars remain a distant goal, even as robotaxi services in controlled areas continue to advance more rapidly.
Globally, China has emerged as a frontrunner in autonomous mobility, driven by a powerful combination of state support, competitive pricing, and favourable regulation. One standout example is Pony.ai, which has announced plans to grow its robotaxi fleet from 300 to 1,000 vehicles by 2026—an ambitious move toward scaling this new mode of transport nationwide.
In contrast, the United States has taken a different route, with a greater focus on private vehicle autonomy and cutting-edge driver-assistance systems. This strategy has led to shifting priorities, including funding withdrawals for Cruise, General Motors’ autonomous vehicle unit, and the shutdown of Argo AI, a Ford–Volkswagen initiative to develop robotaxis.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataAnd what about Europe? While the continent remains a key player in the global automotive industry, its traditional manufacturers face considerable challenges in this new landscape. The global race for top-tier software talent has pushed many to pursue strategic alliances. A recent example is Renault’s partnership with Google to create its first software-defined vehicle—an effort to compete in a space where the U.S. and China already enjoy a significant head start.
This evolving scenario is reshaping the business models of legacy automakers. Rather than focusing solely on private vehicle ownership, many are pivoting toward shared fleets, urban mobility solutions, and cross-industry partnerships.
Yet Europe is far from out of the race.
Yet Europe is far from out of the race. The continent boasts a mature industrial ecosystem, world-renowned automotive brands, and a regulatory framework that—while demanding—also fosters responsible innovation. Through initiatives like NextGenerationEU, European institutions are directing substantial resources toward enabling a digital and sustainable mobility transition.
While the global spotlight may currently shine on China and the U.S., Europe has the potential to lead in key areas such as the integration of renewable energy, the development of secure and ethical software, and the deployment of intelligent infrastructure.
The future of autonomous vehicles is undoubtedly promising—but for now, it remains just that: a future. The path to truly autonomous mobility will be neither immediate nor uniform. Overcoming the remaining technological, economic, and legal barriers will require close collaboration between governments, industry, and society.
The question is no longer if autonomous vehicles will become a reality, but when and how. And the answer will depend on our collective ability to face these challenges with a shared vision—one that ensures mobility is comfortable, safe, and sustainable for all.
Antoni Grau, ADAS Business Unit Director at FICOSA
Antoni Grau is the Director of the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) Business Unit at FICOSA, headquartered in Barcelona. In this role, he has been instrumental in driving the unit’s growth and innovation, aligning advanced mobility technologies with evolving automotive trends and regulatory frameworks.
A graduate in Mechanical Industrial Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (1991–1998), Antoni began his career at FICOSA International in 2003 as a Project Manager. Since then, he has held several key leadership positions—both in Spain and through other international assignments—within FICOSA, other Tier 1 automotive suppliers, and across different industries. These diverse experiences have enriched his expertise in project management, product development, corporate strategy, and purchasing, providing him with a broad and strategic perspective on global industrial operations.
With over two decades of experience, Antoni brings a deep understanding of the sector’s technological evolution and a strong commitment to advancing intelligent mobility solutions.
