CARS are getting more intelligent, but it appears that drivers are not quite ready for vehicles that can park, stop and keep their distance from the vehicle in front by themselves.

Parallel importer Richburg Motors has sold only about 20 units of a self-parking Toyota Estima Aeras since introducing it in Singapore two years ago.

"Actually, people do not use it," said Richburg Motors sales manager Eddie Lo. "They just like to show off."

The intelligent Toyota, which uses a battery of cameras, sensors and computer software, can slot itself into a vertical or parallel lot - provided it is well marked. The driver merely has to regulate the speed by using the brakes.

Mr Lo said the gadget is part of a "premium sound system package", which adds $18,000 to the Estima's $112,800 price tag.

More cars will have this device. In August this year, Volkswagen will introduce its Tiguan SUV with self-parking as an optional feature.

Mercedes-Benz recently showcased a gizmo that allows its cars to move unassisted in stop-start traffic.

Called Distronic Plus, the technology uses radar to keep the car at a safe distance from the one in front. It will even bring the car to a full stop.

Daimler Singapore is awaiting approval from the authorities to sell cars equipped with it.

But since the feature was reported in the press last September, Mercedes agent Cycle & Carriage has received only "a few enquiries" from customers.

Mercedes is currently developing a car that will take over the steering should the driver stray into another lane without signalling.

General practitioner and veteran motoring writer Winston Lee, 64, welcomes it.

"It is a good safety feature in case someone falls asleep at the wheel," he said. "And it helps instil lane discipline, which is lacking here."

But most people here do not like the interference.

BMW agent Performance Motors said demand for BMWs equipped with "lane change warning" has not been high.

The feature, introduced here nine months ago, vibrates the steering wheel to warn a driver who veers off-lane without signalling. The $1,830 gizmo can be switched off.

Businessman P.K. Poon, 53, is one who appreciates his smart Volvo XC70, which warns him of objects in his blind spots or if he is too close to the car in front.

"Every car should have these," said Mr Poon, who admitted to having had a few close shaves in the past because his previous cars did not have the safety features, which cost about $3,000 each.

Volvo and fellow Swedish make Saab are working on future models that will not start if they sense the driver has been drinking. Others will introduce cars which warn occupants - and perhaps even other road users - if the driver is losing concentration.

Acceptance is expected to be low initially. But going by how pervasive something like cruise control has become, resistance is futile.