(Marketing) The Google Self-Driving Car is a project by Google that involves developing technology for autonomous cars, mainly electric cars. The software powering Google's cars is called Google Chauffeur. Lettering on the side of each car identifies it as a "self-driving car". The project is currently being led by Google engineer Sebastian Thrun, former director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and co-inventor of Google Street View.
Legislation has been passed in four U.S. states (Nevada, Florida, California and Michigan) and Washington, D.C. allowing driverless cars.
In May 2014, Google presented a new concept for their driverless car that had neither a steering wheel nor pedals and unveiled a fully functioning prototype in December of 2014. This summer Google will begin testing the cars in Mountain View, California.
Chris Urmson, director of Google's Self-Driving Car Project states: "Vehicles that can take anyone from A to B at the push of a button could transform mobility for millions of people, whether by reducing the 94 percent of accidents caused by human error, reclaiming the billions of hours wasted in traffic, or bringing everyday destinations and new opportunities within reach of those who might otherwise be excluded by their inability to drive a car."
Think about how companies introduce new product categories to consumers. They initially have to create primary demand (demand for the entire product category) through educating consumers on why the product is better. This is exactly what the companies that manufactured HDTVs had to do in order to get us to pay attention to the difference in the picture quality.
How do you think Google should proceed to promote its driverless car? Do you think consumers will be responsive? Why or why not? (Marketing)
Do some research on the technology behind these cars before discussing.