Did LeBron James Just Become The Face Of Driverless Cars?

Now that the US Senate has approved the removal of several restrictions applied to the testing of driverless cars, companies are wasting no time advertising the technology. Intel recently made use of the star power of basketball superstar LeBron James in a commercial meant to humanize self-driving vehicles. The famous athlete was apprehensive and genuine in the video, as well.

In a video titled “LeBron James Fearless,” the basketball star was shown testing out a vehicle equipped with Intel’s self-driving technology. As Fortune notes, the vehicle appears to be a Kia Cadenza, but all recognizable branding elements have been removed. Intel would provide no confirmation on this point, as well.

James looked visibly nervous in the beginning of the video, which perfectly encapsulates how many people feel when thinking about driverless vehicles. As the clip progressed, however, the superstar finally started feeling more comfortable. By the end of the test, James was so impressed, he even expressed a desire to keep the vehicle for himself.

Unfortunately, it would seem that there are a few clarifications that needed to be made with regards to the ad. For one thing, the vehicle used was not actually autonomous. Due to a scheduling conflict, James could not be available to ride the real self-driving car. This was according to an Intel spokesperson who admitted to the little issue.

In any case, it would seem that James really does want a fully autonomous vehicle and Intel intends to be able to provide it. The chip maker wants to improve the reputation of driverless vehicles and earn the trust of car owners who have spent decades being in control of their cars, The Verge reports. Unfortunately, recent data shows that it will take more than one ad campaign to change the minds of Americans regarding driverless cars, even with someone like LeBron James as its face.