US auto maker Ford Motor Company has been ranked as the leader in developing automated driving systems, according to a new independent report from Navigant Research.

The report studied 18 companies developing automated driving systems, rating them on 10 criteria like vision, go-to-market strategy, partners, strategy, and staying power.

Ford is followed by General Motors, Renault-Nissan, and Daimler.

Automated driving is a key technology for improving the commuting experience while also addressing the societal problems caused by the saturation of automobiles, including traffic congestion, injuries and fatalities, and diminished air quality.

Advances in computational architectures and sensing technology are driving the market forward, and when coupled with dramatic cost reductions, vehicle electrification, and ubiquitous connectivity, highly automated vehicles are quickly nearing a level of maturity that will enable initial deployments for consumers. — VNS