Ferrari unveiled its future roadmap during an event in Italy, outlining a strategic shift towards an all-electric (EV) future. The company disclosed plans for a LaFerrari successor and hinted that its Purosangue SUV would not be designed for off-road use. CEO Benedetto Vigna, who has recently assumed the role, made a significant announcement, stating that Ferrari will never produce a self-driving vehicle.
In response to inquiries about the possibility of a fully autonomous Ferrari, Vigna provided intriguing insights. He confirmed that while Ferrari would continue to offer and enhance driver assistance systems, the company would never pursue the development of a level-5 autonomy system. Level-5 autonomy refers to a fully self-driving car that can operate without any human intervention.
Vigna emphasized the importance of preserving the human driving experience, asserting that customers wouldn’t invest in a vehicle that prioritizes computer-driven enjoyment over the driver’s involvement. He stated, “No customer is going to spend money for the computer in the car to enjoy the drive. The value of the man, of the human at the center, is fundamental.”
While Ferrari’s commitment to avoiding self-driving technology reflects its dedication to the driver-centric ethos, the company’s ability to adhere to this stance in the long term remains to be seen. Notably, Ferrari had previously adamantly declared it would never produce an SUV, yet the Purosangue SUV is poised for imminent debut, underscoring the evolving nature of the automotive landscape. As the industry undergoes transformative shifts, the certainty of self-driving Ferraris remains uncertain, echoing the dynamic and evolving nature of Ferrari’s strategic decisions.
