Volvo has similarly come out with a pedestrian detection/braking system (http://www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive/2010/07/volvo_s60_pedestrian_detect

Volvo has similarly come out with a pedestrian detection/braking system (http://www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive/2010/07/volvo_s60_pedestrian_detection.html http://www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive/2010/07/...) and Volkswagen has been showing off a self-driving car (http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1062073_volkswagen-shows-off-self-driving-auto-pilot-technology-for-cars http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1062073_volkswagen-shows-...) in addition to the Google Car. Cars are going toward driving themselves. The Google car is impressive, but it will likely be a while before people become comfortable with the concept and for the cost to come down. Mainstream auto manufacturers are inching their way toward these features (mostly on their more expensive models), but I keep hearing people say, "well, what if it stops me when I can go forward." I think manufacturers are trying to get consumers used to the idea that technology might be the way to go for a lot of driving systems. People need to get the idea that self-driving technologies enhance safety. I think that's why they're starting with braking. As people become comfortable with and grateful for their car taking control in emergency-ish situations like that, they'll similarly become comfortable with the car taking control during normal driving. At least that's the thought.