The Integration of Driverless Vehicles in Commercial Carsharing Schemes in Germany

Table of Contents

Introduction

0.1 Overview

0.2 Definitions

0.3 Structure of the Study

0.4 Rationale

0.5 Case Study: Germany

0.6 Aim and Objectives

0.7 Methodology

0.8 Limitations

Part 1: Carsharing

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Background

1.3 Social and Business Change regarding Mobility

1.3.1 From “Generation Golf” to “Generation Hire Car”

1.3.2 From Carmaker to Mobility Provider

1.3.3 Sustainability Concerns

1.4 Carsharing as a Response to Social Change

1.4.1 Generation Hire Car

1.4.2 Carmaker or Mobility Provider

1.4.3 Sustainability Concerns

1.5 Limitations of Carsharing

1.5.1 Parking

1.5.2 Availability

Part 2: Driverless Vehicles

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Background

2.3 Social Issue Traffic Accidents

2.3.1 Background

2.3.2 The Role of the Driver in Car-related Traffic Accidents

2.3.3 Traffic Accidents in Germany

2.3.4 Economic Costs of Traffic Accidents

2.4 Automation in Passenger Vehicles as a Response to Traffic Accidents

2.4.1 Driver Assistance Systems

2.4.2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

2.4.3 Car Drivers, Customers, and Advanced Driver Assistant Systems

2.5 Fully-Automated Vehicles

Part 3: Prefeasibility Study

3.1 Introduction

3.2 The Concept

3.3 Micro-Environmental Analysis: SWOT

3.3.1 Strengths

3.3.2 Weaknesses

3.3.3 Opportunities

3.3.4 Threats

3.4 Macro-Environmental Analysis: STEPLED

3.4.1 Society

3.4.2 Technology

3.4.3 Environment

3.4.4 Politics

3.4.5 Legislation

3.4.6 Ethics

3.4.7 Demographics

Research Goals and Key Topics

The primary aim of this dissertation is to evaluate the prefeasibility of integrating driverless vehicle technology into existing commercial carsharing schemes in Germany. It explores whether this synergy can mitigate current mobility challenges such as traffic density and parking limitations, while offering a strategic business path for established carmakers transitioning to mobility providers.

• Impact of societal and business changes on individual mobility patterns.
• Technological development status and market potential of driverless vehicles.
• Analysis of traffic accidents as a primary societal issue and role of driver behavior.
• Strategic micro-environmental analysis (SWOT) for automotive companies.
• Macro-environmental analysis (STEPLED) of the German market context.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Introduction: Provides the foundation for the study, covering demographic shifts, the rationale for the proposed mobility concept, and the methodology used to analyze carsharing and driverless technology.

Part 1: Carsharing: Examines the development of carsharing in Germany, highlighting the shift toward commercial schemes, their role in responding to social changes, and the inherent limitations regarding parking and vehicle availability.

Part 2: Driverless Vehicles: Analyzes the societal issue of traffic accidents and the role of driver behavior, followed by an overview of automation technologies (ADAS) and the developmental trajectory toward fully-automated driving.

Part 3: Prefeasibility Study: Applies SWOT and STEPLED frameworks to evaluate the business feasibility and macro-environmental impact of integrating driverless vehicles into commercial carsharing operations in Germany.

Keywords

Carsharing, Driverless Vehicles, Autonomous Vehicles, Germany, Mobility Provider, Traffic Safety, SWOT Analysis, STEPLED Analysis, Automotive Industry, Digital Mobility, Generation Hire Car, Sustainable Development, Smart Mobility, Transport Policy, Consumer Behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this dissertation?

The paper focuses on the potential integration of autonomous, driverless vehicle technology into existing commercial carsharing schemes within the German market.

What are the primary thematic areas covered?

The study covers the transformation of the automotive industry, shifting mobility behaviors among the younger generation, traffic safety statistics, and the macro-environmental factors influencing the adoption of new transport technologies.

What is the ultimate research goal?

The goal is to determine if the proposed integration of driverless cars into carsharing is a feasible and profitable solution to mitigate urban traffic congestion, parking issues, and accident rates.

Which scientific methods are utilized?

The research uses a prefeasibility study approach, employing SWOT analysis for micro-level strategic assessment and an ad hoc STEPLED analysis for evaluating macro-environmental factors.

What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?

The work discusses the transition from private car ownership to shared mobility, the role of human error in accidents, current and future driver assistance systems, and the legal and ethical challenges of autonomous driving.

Which keywords define this research?

The work is characterized by terms such as Carsharing, Driverless Vehicles, Germany, Mobility Provider, Traffic Safety, and sustainable transport development.

Why is the German market used as a specific case study?

Germany is chosen as the case study because it is home to global automotive market leaders, has a highly developed automotive industry, and exhibits the necessary economic and political conditions to test and refine smart mobility solutions.

What role does the legislative framework play in the proposed concept?

Legislation is identified as a major obstacle, specifically concerning the UN Convention on Road Traffic, which assumes a human driver must be in control at all times, thereby creating significant product liability risks for manufacturers.

What is the significance of the "Generation Hire Car" concept?

This term describes a cultural shift where young people prioritize flexible access to mobility over the status symbol of owning an automobile, which is a fundamental driver for the demand for carsharing services.