Similar to how 'Eisenhower's Interstate Initiative' sparked an economic revival through quick and direct transportation of goods, implementing an 'automated highway system' would undoubtedly do the same. Americans will 'not' give up their cars. Point to point transportation will always be more effective and efficient, than hub to hub. Just look at the internet as an example.
Instead of providing unconditional bailout funds to the Big Three of the automotive industry to sustain the status quo, it's in the country's interest, for the U.S. government to obligate these companies to design/develop, those cars of the near-future, to 'plug-into' a government championed and funded 'Automated Highway Infrastructure.'