Self-driving car revolution is coming, but slowly

Visitors surround a new Mercedes E 400 e-4Matic car at the International Motor Show (IAA) held in Munich, southern Germany, on September 4, 2023. — Photography CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP

In Munich, where this week's IAA motor show is taking place, an interactive street survey elicits an overwhelming "yes" when asking passers-by if they would take a self-driving taxi from the station to the Oktoberfest beer festival.

But while the number of coloured balls placed in the "yes" column shows no shortage of enthusiasm, experts say the long-promised future of autonomous cars remains some way off.