Dirty secret could be a deal-breaker for MaaS
Financial provider CreditPlus has identified a potential issue that could slow the uptake of autonomous cars.
The report identifies that cleanliness inside the vehicle will be paramount for users of the service. It says, ‘Large mobility operators and manufacturers themselves will provide mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) to consumers who will be able to ride in autonomous cars to their destination, where the vehicle will head off and pick up the next passenger.
‘As with most ‘public but private’ transportation currently, such as taxis, users will expect a certain level of exterior and interior cleanliness when using the service. The responsibility for upkeep usually falls to the operator, but how will autonomous vehicles detect mess and then be responsible for cleanliness before continuing the journey?
‘Most vehicles on the road today have some imperfection with the exterior bodywork, and most privately owned cars can go months before cleaning the interior. However, with MaaS, consumers will expect a near-perfect environment on every trip.’
The report also identifies how this shift towards MaaS will increase demand for bodywork and valeting services, adding ‘independent bodyshops and valeting operations should look to partner with the fleet operators (of MaaS) and become the preferred destination of valeting for the autonomous cars in use.’
