In October last year, consulting firm Strategic Market Research estimated that the global market for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles would reach US$197 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.7% from an estimated US$25 billion in 2021. 

That year, the transportation sector, with several cities allowing autonomous taxis and some brands offering semi-autonomous vehicles, was the main driver of this business. And the US accounted for 45% of sales. For the coming years, however, Strategic Market Research estimates that the defense segment will see the highest growth. 

These optimistic projections, however, contrast with the clear loss of interest among car manufacturers and, more importantly, investors in the development of autonomous vehicles. 

According to Bloomberg, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the world's largest and most influential trade show for advanced products, the presence of autonomous vehicles was significantly reduced compared to 2021. This year, the star of this segment was an autonomous tractor from John Deere, which may not be glamorous but is very attractive to farmers. 

The reason for this cooling of enthusiasm for autonomous cars? Investors' risk aversion and the lack of a clear timeline for profitability. Electric vehicles are stealing the show, including at CES in Las Vegas. Will the landscape change once we overcome the current global economic slowdown?