LONDON, 25 January 2018 – Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are poised to revolutionize not only transportation but the way people live and work throughout the world. But are countries ready for an AV-driven future? The 2018 KPMG Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index (AVRI) evaluates the preparedness of 20 countries globally for the introduction of self-driving vehicles, and highlights best practice to help countries accelerate AV adoption.

“The mobility freedom provided by AVs will have a transformational impact on society,” says Richard Threlfall, Global Head of Infrastructure, KPMG International. “With the tremendous opportunity, though, comes significant challenges that have to be addressed in order for countries to be able to realize the benefits of AVs.”

The AVRI is the first study of its kind, examining where countries are today in terms of progress and capacity for adapting AV technology. The Index evaluates each country according to four pillars that are integral to a country’s capacity to adopt and integrate autonomous vehicles. The four pillars are: policy & legislation; technology & innovation, infrastructure and consumer acceptance.

The pillars are comprised of a number of variables that reflect the wide range of factors that impact a country’s AV readiness, from the availability of electric vehicle charging stations, to AV technology R&D, to the population’s willingness to adopt technology, to the regulatory environment.

According to the AVRI, the 10 countries most prepared for the future of autonomous transportation of those researched are:

1. Netherlands
2. Singapore
3. United States
4. Sweden
5. United Kingdom
6. Germany
7. Canada
8. United Arab Emirates
9. New Zealand
10. South Korea

The Netherlands ranks consistently high – in the top four across all four pillars – with strengths including widespread acceptance of electric cars and a high density of charging stations, a robust telecommunications network, vital for directing AVs, and large scale AV road tests planned. Others in the top five display a range of strengths, with Singapore ranking first in policy & legislation and consumer acceptance, the US and Sweden ranked first and second respectively in technology & innovation and the UK ranked in the top five for three pillars.

Overall, a country’s economic development correlates strongly with preparedness for AVs, however looking deeper, the AVRI highlights some consistent attributes among the most prepared countries. These include public authorities engaged in and supporting AV development, excellent roads and mobile network infrastructure, and private sector investment and innovation.

“Planning today for an AV future is essential, because it is not a question of if, but when, AVs become the dominant mode of transport,” says Threlfall. Embracing partnerships between government and the private sector can speed technology development, while helping ensure that the introduction of AVs meet public policy objectives. Finally, it is important to engage all stakeholders – government, business and citizens – in planning for AVs. It’s not just about transportation; we need to be prepared for the impact of AVs on all aspects of our lives.”

Learn more about the AVRI and how each country performed by accessing the full report at kpmg.com/AVRI

The Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index (AVRI) is intended to provide an understanding of various countries’ preparedness and openness to AV technology. Twenty countries were included in the AVRI based on economic size and progress in adopting autonomous vehicles. Countries are assessed on 26 different measures within four pillars: policy & legislation; technology & innovation; infrastructure; and consumer acceptance. Each pillar has equal weight in calculating a country’s overall score and consists of a combination of primary and secondary data. 

KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 154 countries and territories and have 197,263 people working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such.

KPMG in Myanmar provides Tax and Advisory services in Yangon. KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. It operates in 155 countries and has 189,000 professionals working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such.

Ploi Phayakvichien
Tel: 02 677 2034
ploi@kpmg.co.th

Praewpan Luangphaipol
Tel: 02 677 2141
praewpan@kpmg.co.th