For so many years, the car ads were selling us freedom. The open road, and you're in the driver's seat. Driving could be fun, not just a means of getting somewhere. Sure, they were trying to manipulate public perception, but they were doing so in a way that resonated with a lot of people.
A robot driving your car? Where's the fun in that?
Look close. They are selling Dad (as in a male, and probably white) on driving, while they are selling mom (female) and the kids on enjoying the ride. As ads become less sexist you will see more females in the driver seat, but most ads are still selling the whole family experience, and that includes getting places while someone else in in control. Even when they do show females driving, the focus on the ads is less on the experience of driving and more on other features of the car.
that's a cherry on top. 99% of people come to unfortunate realization that in this country they need to buy some car to get their ass to work or daycare on time. That's what drives the big number. Everything else is just "now that you're here, let us show you how much more fun than the other brands we are"
A robot driving your car? Where's the fun in that?