Since the birth of the car more than 100 years ago, the technology has seen some significant improvements – seatbelts and airbags, to name a few. Yet the past 10 years have been instrumental in the industry’s growth, paving the way for future innovations.
Owing to the advancements in this field, even the safety measures and services also have improved rapidly. There is a myriad of amenities provided for car owners. For many, a car is not just a form of transport to get you from A to B. It’s also a collector’s item. From classic cars to sports cars, there’s always someone out there looking for a rare model. Indoor car covers keep these super-valuable cars in mint condition, ready to be sold on when a new collector offers the right price. These cars are rarely driven on the road, however, with more “normal” cars actually paving the way in cutting-edge technology. The advancements in this field have also led to rapid improvements in safety measures and services.
Car owners tend to have access to a wide range of amenities at all times. Whether it’s insurance policies, regular inspections, repair services, or even hail dent repair, the respective vehicle owners can rest easy knowing they have a safety net to fall back on. That said, discover eight of the biggest advancements in automotive technology from the past decade.
1. Stolen Vehicle Tracking
In 2018, thieves stole more than 740,000 vehicles in the U.S. While manufacturers traditionally install GPS tracking systems on cars, these devices can be blocked by a portable jammer or by parking in an underground garage.
Next-generation tracking technology, such as OnStar and LoJack, sends short, low power radio signals on random frequencies over a global Internet of Things (IoT) network. As a result, thieves can’t jam the device’s signal.
2. Adaptive Cruise Control
Cruise control was a convenient development decades ago, but it doesn’t work when driving in heavy traffic. Adaptive technology, on the other hand, uses a radar to view surrounding vehicles and automatically adjust the throttle.
When a crash occurs, the individual may not be in the right mental state to understand what to do or What Not to Do After a Car Accident. However, with the advent of adaptive cruise controls and automated braking, the sensors detect an impending collision and have a high probability of saving lives.
3. Mobile Connectivity
Cars and mobile technology are becoming increasingly intertwined. Most vehicles come with Bluetooth and hands-free infotainment systems. Drivers can summon music, reply to texts, make phone calls and more while on the road.
With the BMW i3, you can log into the app to check the battery capacity of the vehicle. Plus, Audi is working on a system where you can use your smartphone to make your car park itself.
4. Backup Cameras
Years ago, drivers had to use mirrors and turn in their seats to get a clear view while backing up. Today, cameras make it easy to see everything behind you without moving a muscle.
To operate, these cameras are mounted on the edge of the trunk lid and connected to the gear shift. When you move into reverse, the camera instantly turns on and displays on your dash.
On top of this, there are now reverse camera kits available for people who use trailers because it can be extremely difficult to reverse when you have something attached to the back of your vehicle.
5. Electric Vehicles
Since 2009, when the American Recovery Reinvestment Act allocated $2 billion toward electric vehicle (EV) development, the sector has boomed. More drivers are making the switch from fossil fuels to renewables in an attempt to save money and cut emissions.
Tesla, a top brand in the EV industry, recently shocked consumers by the release of its cybertruck. Other manufacturers jumping on the electric bandwagon include Toyota, BMW, Nissan and Ford.
6. Smart Home Integration
Not only can you integrate your car with your phone, but you can also connect it to – and control – your home. While you’re pulling in the driveway, issue commands to open the garage door, turn on exterior lighting and unlock the front door.
You can connect any gadget associated with your home’s network to your car. With the growth of the IoT, the possibilities are nearly endless.
7. Biometric Vehicle Access
We’ve already seen keys replaced by fobs. Yet what if you could gain entry to – and start – your vehicle with nothing more than a fingerprint? This technology could use face recognition, retinal scan, palm vein authentication and voice identification, too.
In the next few years, several manufacturers expect to launch cars with biometric features pre-installed. The Hyundai Sante Fe, which will debut in China in 2020, is set to deploy fingerprint recognition.
8. Semi-Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous or self-driving vehicles can maneuver themselves via a combination of sensors and software. Theoretically, you could read a book while your car drives to the grocery store. Unfortunately, this technology isn’t available.
Semi-autonomous cars, on the other hand, are already on the road. They can accelerate and back you into a parking space. With a Tesla, you can summon your car from the other side of the parking lot, no assistance necessary.
The Top 8 Advancements in Automotive Technology
The automotive industry has come a long way since the early 1900s. Today, safety and technology are top priorities, leading to advancements like backup cameras, biometric access and semi-autonomous features. What can drivers expect in the future?
Graphic courtesy of barsleaks
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