This not the effect of Autopilot, Tesla calls it 'Automatic Emergency Braking'.
Most modern cars come with similar collision avoidance systems. Volvo introduced it first(?) in 2008.
Most modern cars come with similar collision avoidance systems. Volvo introduced it first(?) in 2008.
Many have collision WARNING systems (i.e. no auto-braking), and even then only on the highest trims or with an expensive options package ($3K+).
However collision avoidance systems do exist, and manufacturers like Subaru have made them so inexpensive that there's little excuse to not buy it (e.g. Subaru Legacy Premium W/Eyesight is $25-26K, similar to a mid Camry or Accord, and those lack CAS at that price point ($30K+ Limited trim to get CWS in other cars, let alone CAS)).
Aside from the luxury market (which Tesla is in) a lot of cars lack CAS or make it so expensive that they may have well. Subaru is the only manufacturer that makes it within the realm of your average joe (e.g. sub-35K).
People are delirious about self-driving cars, but even the simplest automatable task of stopping when something is in front of you is not only an option, but an expensive one.
If CAS is a pricey option, how much more will full driverless cost? How prevalent will it be? How likely is it that only the top 1% will have it? How long until it trickles down into middle-class? How much longer will it take to trickle down than CAS?
[ 1 ] Another driver and myself were rear-ended hard in a senseless accident that would have been avoided if "car 3" had had CAS (or was driverless or if the driver had been paying attention, not speeding, not following too close). My last 6 weeks have been paperwork, doctor's appointments, painkillers, ice packs, phone calls and soon physical therapy appointments. All cutting into my productivity and good mood.
From rumours Subaru wants to make Eyesight (CAS) standard by the 2018 model year (mid-2017 release).
NHTSB just made backup cameras mandatory and those have been around for a long time.
radar guided cruise control in s-class around 05, accord gets "adaptive cruise control" in 2014 and standard on 15.
The Euro NCAP car safety assessment mandates this kind of collision avoidance for a 5-star rating. According to their website, half of the cars tested this year achieved such a rating.
(However, I think NCAP always test with all available options fitted. On the other hand, Skoda only charge £275 for this option on a £10k vehicle.)
Mazda has a ~$1500 tech package option on the Mazda 3 with CAS.
I'm sure Subaru makes a decent car (my brother has a generation old Legacy, which seems OK), but saying they're the only manufacturer that makes it within the realm of your average joe is a big stretch I think.
I cannot figure out how you'd order that from their site. Even grand touring (S or I) in the Mazda3 doesn't appear to offer a tech package at all.
> but saying they're the only manufacturer that makes it within the realm of your average joe is a big stretch I think.
I concede that. It is an over-statement. For around $25K there are slim pickings, but if you have up to $35K (which is common for many people buying cars), then there are several systems to consider.
[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/05/04/new-car-...
Their site sucks so I can't figure out how to copy/paste it, but from another site:
"To go all the way, you may then add the $2600 Technology package, which brings a capacitor-based brake-energy recapture system, radar cruise control, low-speed collision mitigation, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and forward-obstruction warning."
I bought the car for about $23K with every option but the tech-package. A quick search says there's vehicles with the option in my area for under $28K. But I think under $25K at least is probably a more realistic price.
Anyways, yeah. $25K to $35K there are a good number of choices if you look around.
The issue here is their use of the term "most." "Most" vehicles in 2015 is category untrue. Out of the top 10 most popular cars in the US, zero ship with CAS as a base feature, and half don't offer it at all.
In the luxury market, it is more common/popular/standard.