Press Releases

Investors won over by autonomous vehicle market but demand more help with investment choices

March 9, 2017

Posted by: Avadhoot Patil

Stuart Young, partner in Gowling WLG

International law firm, Gowling WLG and economic research agency Explain the Market have announced a year-long research project to track investment in the UK Autonomous Vehicles (AV) sector.

Results from this first quarter of new research reveal widespread support by professional and private investors for the UK Autonomous Vehicle sector. In the first of a series of studies 64% of investors say they believe driverless cars will be on UK roads within 10 years.

“Cars can already do so much. Things are moving fast but I’d like to understand better how to get involved from an investment perspective,” said one AV Tracker private investor.

More than 10% of investors already claim to be already actively investing in the sector, while Yorkshire and London have almost double the number of AV investors than anywhere else in the UK. But the majority are calling for better information about how to invest in the Autonomous Vehicles Technology market. Meanwhile, many are put off by a lack of regulation.

In all, 67% of UK investors are considering investing in the sector either now or in the future but almost 70% want more information about AV investment opportunities.

Guy Shone, CEO, Explain the Market

A lack of rules and regulations in the sector prevents almost half of all investors (47%) from making an investment. Investors claim that the availability of expert advice on the sector and information on AV companies are critically important.

Ongoing tracker study

This is the first wave of a year long study of over 1,000 investors. The new ongoing tracker study will track the confidence, attitudes and opinions of UK investors to the AV sector and reveal what investors really want as the sector develops. The study will also probe the real barriers and factors that impact confidence.

“I am delighted to partner with Explain the Market and help the industry keep track of investor confidence in such an important and fast growing market,” said Stuart Young, partner in Gowling WLG.

Guy Shone, CEO, Explain the Market said, “Investor confidence is such an important ingredient to the success of UK AV. Tracking both professional and private investors will help us understand better how the market can thrive in 2017 and beyond.”

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