The future of motoring: it's automated - Might it never happen?

While automated cars might be better drivers than humans most of the time, technology is unlikely to ever be 100% reliable.

For all his enthusiasm for autonomy, Volkswagen's Mueller-Bessler says product liability in the event of an accident poses big problems: 'The manufacturer will be responsible for possible accidents in autonomous driving. This will cause unclear and unmanageable costs.

'It is necessary to keep the driver in the loop.'

Martin Bare, president of the association of personal injury lawyers, thinks liability will continue to rest with the driver as long as they keep a 'guiding hand' in the process.

Ron Munro of Zurich Insurance agrees: 'For a considerable period of time, we are going to have driver interaction, and while we have that, drivers will still be liable.'

Even so, the prospect of liability could, in the end, prevent full automation every becoming a reality, even when technically possible, and even with its benefits.

Honda's Brachmann believes it will prevent full takeover of cars by computer: 'We do not consider the car of the future being driverless, but the driver should be supported and advised by smart advanced driver-assistance systems.'

Shinohora is also highly cautious about the total surrender of control by motorists. He also says they'll have to retain ultimate control and responsibility: 'Does a pilot read a newspaper while flying? They're always watching what's happening, even if they're in automated mode. Even if automated driving is possible, drivers should watch.'