Since the past decade, technology is playing a pivotal role in the automotive industry; its future has shifted and juxtaposed elements that were not supposed to be linked together: autonomy & infotainment with engines & suspensions, or Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Augmented Reality (AR) with torque & horsepower. As 2017 worldwide car sales might reach the forecasted 79 million vehicles (only in the US were sold 17 million units), the fusion between the technology world and automotive industry makes complete sense.
One spot to witness first-hand the automotive technology megatrends is at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies and solutions. They are bringing self-driving technologies, smart mobility, and connectivity innovations together with the latest concept cars, and aftermarket enhancements, also self-driving demos and ride-and-drive experiences. CES is at the center of making connected divers with safer, more convenient, and efficient vehicles.
As trends and innovations beyond the automotive industry are disrupting the future of mobility, the automotive technology megatrends to watch in CES 2018 are related to security and connectivity to create more artful, intelligent solutions for the digitally-enhanced lifestyle we are moving forward:
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs).
Carmakers have been working on self-driving technologies for some years, but it will take some time and lots of legal regulations until fully functional autonomous vehicles hit the streets. Nowadays cars are equipped with second-level autonomous technology, but most drivers are unaware of it. As the average automobile on US roads is almost 12 years old, the majority of car owners have not experienced themselves driving automation innovations such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), Rear Parking Assistance (RPA), or other safety and security systems.
Drivers will get soon improved semi-autonomous safety and security features from carmakers to overcome legal, regulatory, and psychological challenges, beyond the technology hurdles. They are looking to encourage self-driving acceptance all over.
Electric Vehicles (EVs).
As carmakers are dropping their selling prices and exploring options for convenient charging capabilities (both automotive engineers are now working with hydrogen fuel cells, and governments are building robust charging infrastructure in some cities), more drivers will get EVs in the upcoming years. EVs will get their retribution soon even when they just accounted 0.4% of the US automotive market according to Kelley Blue Book: almost 6,000 EVs of the 1.4 million vehicles were sold in November 2017. Even so, EV category has increased 25% in US, compared to 2016.
Drivers and automakers are shifting away from diesel-powered vehicles and looking forward to zero-emission cars that are being regulated to meet highly stringent fuel economy standards.
Connected Vehicles (CVs).
Carmakers have enabled vehicle connectivity for almost a decade. Most newer vehicles feature some form of connected technology with software and hardware that communicates the internal car computer with the driver smartphone. In the future, CVs will have voice recognition technology so drivers can avoid using buttons, dials, switches, or touchscreens. CVs will pull real-time data from internet and use virtual assistants to interact with users: it will remind about an upcoming meeting, adjusting departure time after checking road and traffic conditions; also will make calls and send messages, play music, get weather reports, or pull local maps. The CVs will connect too with virtual assistants as smart home devices and other popular AI platforms.
Drivers are experiencing a significant shift: moving from a manufacturing-focused model to a digital platform-focused model.