In March 2018, a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona, was killed when struck by an autonomous Uber car. Although the cause of the accident was unclear immediately, people have been quick to place blame on self-driving technology, demonstrating how robotic vehicles still inspire doubt.

Due to mounting environmental concerns and discourse around toxic masculinity, the traditional gas-guzzling, hyper-macho image of the sports car is losing its lustre. How are luxury car manufacturers developing and marketing their vehicles to meet people’s changing perceptions of status?

Mercedes me is connecting drivers to their cars, no matter where they are. With the ability to control various functions by simply speaking and park remotely using an app, it’s easing people into the concept of a fully connected vehicle. Could this shift the market towards a self-driving future?

The fastest driverless vehicle in Australia has been unveiled as part of a five year trial to transport university students in Adelaide. Despite the potential backlash against AVs (autonomous vehicles), it seems that people in South Australia are embracing the technology’s potential.