Peering into the future of automotive technology, we take a look at the features that are likely to be big sellers.
Safety will always be a top concern to consumers, and car companies will continue to develop technology to help reduce accidents. Fuel-efficiency will be a concern for both consumers and automakers, as fuel costs and government regulations continue to change.
Here's a list of ten features you can expect consumers to be willing to pay for by 2020:
1. Collision Mitigation Systems:
Radars sense when you are driving too fast or too close, and the vehicle warns the driver with auditory or visible cues. The brakes may be "precharged" with extra stopping power, and the seat belts may tighten.
2. Rearview Cameras:
Rearview cameras are likely to become standard equipment, thanks to a proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that would require all light passenger vehicles to have the technology by 2014.
3. Pedestrian Detection and Night Vision:
System can bring the vehicle to a full stop if it detects a pedestrian. Night-vision systems detect infrared light or amplify available light to help you see a person who is out of range of your headlights.
4. Adaptive Cruise Control:
Radar keeps you at a safe distance from the car in front while cruising at highway speeds, so that you don't have to constantly hit the brakes and reset your cruise control.
5. Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications:
Transmits your vehicle's location and recognizes other vehicles surrounding you. It can warn you of an oncoming car when you want to pass a vehicle, warn you of a vehicle about to go through a red light, and let you know if there's a traffic jam.
6. In-car Communications:
Navigation, music, phone, and apps like Facebook and Twitter. Tech is here to stay.
7. In-car WiFi:
Surfing the web via voice commands.
8. Fuel Consumption Reduction Tech:
Regenerative brakes to recharge the battery when you step on the brake pedal, and a system to turn off the engine and restart it when you take your foot off the brake (similar to today's hybrids).
9. Advanced Engines:
Hybrids, mild hybrids, turbocharging and direct injection. Plus transmissions with more gears.
10. Lightweight Materials:
Carbon fiber is likely to replace some of the steel and aluminum components. A lighter vehicle increases fuel efficiency. Come see the latest technological advances from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chevrolet, Toyota and Scion at Milton Ruben Superstore in Augusta, GA. Visit our online inventory at www.DriveBaby.com!
