Autonomous Vehicle Policy Correctly Emphasizes Public-Private Collaboration, Says Consumer Technology Association

ARLINGTON, Va.

The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM, formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, regarding Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx’s remarks on driverless cars at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit:

“We appreciate the government’s efforts to accelerate the introduction of driverless cars to our roads and Secretary Foxx’s recognition of the major technological advancements by the tech and auto industries to improve driver safety. In particular, we applaud the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) commitment to work with industry to develop a consistent national policy and smooth the road ahead for autonomous vehicles.

“Driverless cars will soon evolve from science fiction to reality, just as driver assistance systems did a few years ago. Self-driving technologies will transform the future of our mobility by removing human error to improve road safety, decrease the number of accidents and provide greater flexibility to consumers.

“While the benefits are immense, we must still address a number of policy and technology issues to ensure the success and mainstream adoption of autonomous vehicles. We need to establish standards for highway signs and lights; devise new approaches to regulating spectrum, liability, insurance and safety; and consider revised highway rules, parking structures and car-ownership paradigms.

“CTA is encouraged by the federal government’s interest in driverless cars. Consistent collaboration between government and industry – not top-down regulation that could stifle innovation and technology development – will best answer these questions and address these challenges.”

Click here to read Gary Shapiro’s recent column, “Driverless Cars: Here’s What the Obama Administration Should Do Next.”

About Consumer Technology Association:

Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM, formerly Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES^® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry services.

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Consumer Technology Association
Izzy Santa, 703-907-4308
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Bronwyn Flores, 703-907-7679
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