”Give Me the Keys, I’ll Drive!”

Abstract

Highly and fully automated vehicles are not expected on public roads in the near future, but at lower levels of automation, several applications/business models are discussed by vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators. Automated valet parking (AVP) is one of them, which could be implemented almost immediately. Vehicles with AVP feature are able to drive independently in the parking garage and find/occupy a free parking space. However, a better understanding of public’s opinion on this service is needed. In this paper, we present the findings from an exploratory interview study on public’s opinion of automated valet parking. Results suggest that the main benefits from the user perspective are clearly practical in nature (time saving, efficient use of parking lots), but are mitigated by emotional concerns (feeling of uncertainty, loss of control). We therefore conclude that these concerns must be addressed to ultimately ensure automated valet parking’s success and benefits in society.