Self-Driving Hype Doesn't Reflect Reality

To judge by recent claims, "fully autonomous" self-driving technology is just around the corner. Uber Technologies Inc. is offering Pittsburgh residents rides in autonomous Ford Fusions. Ford Motor Co. F -0.08 %, BMW AG BMW -0.90 %, Volvo Car Corp. and Lyft Inc. say they will produce fully autonomous vehicles by 2021 or sooner. Tesla Motors Inc. TSLA 0.49 % Chief Executive Elon Musk, rarely topped in hyperbole, says the technology will be here within 24 months. To many industry insiders, these claims are largely hype.