In October last year, consultancy Strategic Market Research estimated that the global market for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles would reach US$197 billion by 2030with 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 cabs and some brands offering semi-autonomous vehicles, was the main driver of this business, was the main driver of this business. And the U.S. accounted for 45% of sales.. For the next few years, however, Strategic Market Research estimates that the fastest-growing segment will be defense.

These optimistic projections, however, contrast with the clear loss of interest from automakers 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 trend-setting show for advanced products, the presence of autonomous vehicles was much reduced compared to 2021. This year, in this segment, the star was an autonomous tractor from John Deere, not very glamorous, but very attractive to farmers.

The reason for this cooling of enthusiasm for autonomous cars? Investor risk aversion and the lack of a clear horizon on which profitability would be achieved. The show, including CES in Las Vegas, is being taken by electric vehicles. Will the outlook change when we get past the current global economic slowdown?