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Connected and autonomous vehicles are fast becoming a reality. It no longer seems to be a question of 'if' but 'when'.

The potential impact of this technology is vast and it is being hailed by many as the fourth industrial revolution. While the automotive sector stands to be radically altered, it is not alone. The possible applications of this technology straddle a variety of different sectors and will change not only the way people travel but the way that we live our lives. While disruption on such a broad scale presents a wide range of opportunities, the speed at which this technology is developing combined with the evolving regulatory landscape poses a number of novel and challenging issues.

Herbert Smith Freehills recently hosted a series of panel discussions with guest speakers with a range of expertise to discuss these issues. Our latest report, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Navigating the Future, relays some of the key questions, challenges and potential solutions that were discussed during these sessions and that are expected to arise as this technology is developed and commercialised. Our report covers:

  • The evolving global regulatory landscape for connected and autonomous vehicle technology
  • Data ownership, the role of data protection and the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • Cyber security risks
  • Challenges and opportunities for the insurance industry
  • Product liability risks
  • Infrastructure challenges facing connected and autonomous vehicles
  • Cross-industry collaboration and the future of the connected and autonomous vehicles market

Click here to download the report and here to read more about our Connected and Autonomous Vehicles practice.

Key contacts

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Philip Pfeffer

Partner, London

Philip Pfeffer
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Andrew Moir

Partner, Intellectual Property and Global Head of Cyber & Data Security, London

Andrew Moir
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Joseph Falcone

Partner, New York

Joseph Falcone
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David Coulling

Partner, London

David Coulling
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Lode Van Den Hende

Partner, Brussels

Lode Van Den Hende
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Matthew White

Partner, London

Matthew White
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James Allsop

Partner, Australian Registered Foreign Lawyer (Admitted in England & Wales, not admitted in Australia), Melbourne

James Allsop