Autonomous driving refers to the ability of vehicles to move without active human control. At its best, this technology promises to make life easier, safer, and more convenient—and what’s not to love about that? Like other enthusiasts of cars and technology, InCar—Finland’s leading nationwide voice in the damage repair sector—has long followed autonomous driving with keen interest. It’s a major transformation for the entire industry, affecting how people use vehicles, the nature of traffic safety, and the structure of businesses through differing levels of investment and adaptability.
“The number of serious road accidents is set to decline even further. We’ve already seen this trend with the advent of more advanced vehicles: major accidents have decreased while minor ones have increased proportionally. As the technical demands of vehicle repairs become more complex, the industry will face tighter internal regulation and increased investment needs—not all operators will be able to keep up,” says Mika Saastamoinen, Development Manager at InCar.
As vehicle technologies advance, the responsibilities of both manufacturers and repair shops increase accordingly.
“A workshop must be able to reliably assess repair needs and carry out the necessary work. It’s not enough to identify front-end damage, for instance—there must also be an understanding of how other vehicle systems are affected,” Saastamoinen explains.
“Since these systems are interconnected, workshops will increasingly need a comprehensive understanding of how each system influences the others. A simple front-end repair may require full inspection and calibration of all ADAS systems. This creates pressure not just for equipment investment but, even more importantly, for skill development. The evolution of technology will also lead to the emergence of entirely new job roles in the automotive sector,” he adds.
“Autonomous driving technology is complex. Vehicle owners will rely heavily on systems that require constant maintenance and updates. The repair industry must develop expertise to support this evolution—collaboration with training providers in the damage repair field will be critical.”
What is ADAS?
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) form the technological backbone of autonomous driving. These systems monitor driving conditions and surroundings to assist the driver in real-time. Some are already capable of active intervention. A fully autonomous vehicle will be able to independently perceive its environment and respond appropriately without driver input.
“There are five levels of autonomous driving. Level 0 refers to traditional driving, where the driver is responsible for everything from steering and braking to acceleration. Level 1 covers driver assistance features, such as lane-keeping aids and adaptive cruise control. Level 2 represents partial autonomy, where the car can perform many driving-related tasks, but the driver must still remain ready to take control at any moment. In Level 3, the car can drive autonomously in certain conditions, such as on specific highways, but the driver remains responsible for driving and must be able to intervene if necessary. We are currently between levels two and three. In Level 4, the car can drive itself in all conditions, but the driver must still be prepared to take control if needed. Finally, Level 5 refers to fully autonomous driving, with no human driver involved at all,” explains Mika Saastamoinen, Development Manager at InCar.
What will influence how future cars are chosen?
The rise of autonomous vehicles will significantly impact how people live and get around. In addition to improved traffic safety, it will bring greater comfort and ease of use.
“The way we use our time is changing. For example, commuting time could be used to work or rest instead of driving. This is both a conceptual and practical shift. In the future, when choosing a vehicle, people may value unexpected qualities—those related more to lifestyle than to traditional driving features,” Saastamoinen suggests.
Environmental responsibility is also a central theme in this technological transformation. Right now, the focus is on the benefits gained from changing driving habits and usage patterns.
“Autonomous cars can optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion by communicating with each other and with traffic infrastructure. This means more efficient driving routes—think carpools and fuel savings. The result? Lower emissions, less noise, and shorter travel times,” Saastamoinen notes.
Autonomous mobility also improves access to transportation. It could offer affordable and flexible mobility to people who don’t drive or who face mobility challenges.
Finland leads the way—again
Finland is one of the countries where autonomous driving can be tested on public roads—a crucial factor for real-world development and refinement of the technology.
“Finland has truly been a forerunner in this space. Finnish companies are actively involved in R&D, and the country participates in international collaborations. Our road network is well maintained, and signage is clear—important prerequisites for precise vehicle navigation. However, today’s systems are still vulnerable to poor weather, such as snowfall covering road markings,” says Saastamoinen.
Reasons to get excited about autonomous driving:
- Free time – Time previously spent driving can be used for reading, relaxing, or working.
- Safety – Autonomous cars can reduce accidents and fatalities thanks to their superior perception and reaction speed.
- Traffic – Optimized flow can lead to fewer traffic jams.
- Accessibility – People who cannot or do not want to drive can reach places they otherwise couldn’t.
- Environment – Smarter routing reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
InCar Oy, founded in 1991, is Finland’s leading damage repair chain and a trailblazer in the industry’s evolution. More than 370 professionals work across over 50 service locations nationwide. In 2021, InCar’s revenue was EUR 56.5 million. The company is part of the Suvia Group.