ARLINGTON, Va.—The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM regarding the release of guidance from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) on autonomous vehicles:

"The guidelines released are a crucial next step in establishing a strong federal role in providing oversight and guidance to the states; a welcome approach to avoid patchwork laws that might inhibit innovation or make the latest cutting-edge technology inaccessible to consumers.

"Driverless cars and connected cars have the potential to reduce more than 90 percent of accidents caused by human error, save thousands of lives a year in the U.S., eliminate hours wasted in traffic and reduce the cost of car insurance.

"As our industry continues to research and develop the technologies that will usher in the age of the driverless car, we will continue to collaborate with the government to find solutions to policy challenges that provide for safety while allowing for innovation and real-world testing."

CTA's upcoming research shows 70 percent of consumers express a strong interest in test-driving a self-driving car, and more than 60 percent would replace a car or truck they currently own or lease with a completely self-driving vehicle.

About Consumer Technology Association:

Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies - 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world's best known brands - enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES® - the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA's industry services.

Contacts

Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
Bronwyn Flores, 703-907-7679
bflores@CTA.tech
or
Izzy Santa, 703-907-4308
isanta@CTA.tech