# Self-Driving Cars The Google Self-Driving Car Prototype Has Been Revealed By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-12-30 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfdriving-cars References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/google-self-driving-car-prototype/35339/) & [plus.google](https://plus.google.com/%20GoogleSelfDrivingCars/posts/9WBWP2E4GDu) Self-driving cars are no longer a thing of the distant future, and [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-and-renault) has been one of the companies developing them. Google first began working on [autonomous car technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-driving-system) as far back as 2010 and unveiled a prototype of the self-driving car earlier in 2014, but this new prototype features a number of new specifications. The new iteration is fitted with a remodeled rooftop sensor module and fresh indicators and headlights, in addition to a more subdued gray paint job. Like the earlier self-driving cars, this vehicle features mapping systems and sensor technology that allows the car to 'see' what's going on around it. If you're excited by this car, you may need to temper your excitement for a while longer as Google has wisely taken a [safety-first approach](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auto-shanghai-2025) and intends to continue testing the vehicles for the foreseeable future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Self-driving Cars:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced mapping and sensor technology to enhance self-driving capabilities. - **Autonomous Vehicle Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create and improve mapping systems and sensors for autonomous vehicles. - **Safety-first Approach in Self-driving Cars:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and implement safety features and testing protocols to ensure the reliability of self-driving cars. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture self-driving cars for consumer and commercial use. - **Technology Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and improve technology used in self-driving cars, such as advanced sensors and mapping systems. - **Transportation Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate self-driving cars into existing transportation systems to improve efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self Driving-Certified Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drive-pilot-1.md) - [Autonomous Vehicle Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tensor-robocar.md) - [Self-Driving Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rimac.md) - [Open-Air Autonomous Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-adaptor.md) - [TV-Equipped Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-pod-concept.md) - [Software-Defined Collaborative Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-and-renault.md) - [Production-Ready Robotic Taxis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/id-buzz-ad.md) - [Technical Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gocar.md) - [Working Flying Car Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-car-prototype.md)