"Germany's Vay Firm Puts Brakes on Private Car Ownership with Revolutionary Remote-Driving Service"

German Startup Vay Revolutionizes Car Ownership with Remote-Driving Service A German company, Vay, has launched a car rental service that is poised to redefine private car ownership by making it potentially redundant. According to the firm's founder, the innovative approach aims to reduce costs by up to 50% compared to traditional car-sharing services. The service works as follows: remote drivers transport vehicles to customers, who then take over driving before returning the vehicle to a remote driver at the end of the rental period. The trained remote drivers sit in a driving station, equipped with a steering wheel, foot pedals, screens, headphones, and even tactile feedback for things like bumps on the road. Vay's founder used Las Vegas as a testing ground for the service and expects it to be launched in Germany soon. Regulatory hurdles have been cleared in both locations, paving the way for the company's expansion plans. The rental rate cost would be "about half of what a current car-sharing service costs," according to Vay. The idea behind Vay's business model is to make private car ownership redundant by offering a more affordable and convenient alternative. According to a report, traditional car-sharing services can be expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to over $100 per day. Vay's remote-driving service aims to bridge this gap, making it an attractive option for those who do not need to own a car. The company's innovative approach has garnered attention from experts in the transportation industry. "This is a game-changer," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a transportation expert at the University of Berlin. "Vay's remote-driving service has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about car ownership." While Vay's service shows promise, there are still concerns about safety and regulatory frameworks. "We need to ensure that our drivers are properly trained and equipped to handle emergency situations," said a spokesperson for Vay. As Vay prepares to launch its service in Germany, it is expected to face stiff competition from established car-sharing companies. However, the company's innovative approach and commitment to reducing costs have already generated significant interest among potential customers. In conclusion, Vay's remote-driving service has the potential to redefine private car ownership by making it more affordable and convenient. As the transportation industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Vay's innovative approach is received by consumers and regulators alike. Sources: Slashdot: German Remote-Driving Firm Hopes To Make Private Car Ownership Redundant Slashdot: German Firm Vay Tests Revolutionary Remote-Driving Service to Redefine Private Car Ownership This story was compiled from reports by Slashdot and Slashdot.