CES 2015: Cars!

BreakingModern — If you think that CES is simply an electronics show for audio-video devices and gadgets like smartphones, you would be wrong. This year more than 165,000 square feet of exhibit space was dedicated to automakers. A total of 10 major automakers displayed their wares at CES and two of the CES keynote addresses were given by auto executives. Depending on where you were, the show floor at CES this year often looked more like a car show than an electronics show.

Corvette

 

With all connectivity of high tech devices and sensors being built into automobiles, the car industry is relying more and more on digital technology and electronics to make their vehicles state-of-the-art showcases. If you’re lucky enough to purchase a new car in the next few years, you may be able to take advantage of some of these cutting-edge technologies.

Hydrogen Tech

Every manufacturer seemed to be focusing on a different automobile technology. For instance, Toyota made a hard push for hydrogen fuel cell cars. In fact, in an effort to help spread hydrogen technology Toyota announced that it will grant royalty free access to its 5,680 global patents for hydrogen technology to other car manufacturers and suppliers. The move toward hydrogen cars may see a real speed up in the near future.

Toyota’s Mirai hydrogen car will be available in the U.S. this October.

Driverless Cars

Driverless car are becoming less sci-fi, more reality and many were showcased at CES 2015. As you may know, driverless car legislation has been passed in several states including California, Nevada, Florida and Michigan. This year Audi, one of the first automakers to attend CES five years ago, had the A7 piloted driving prototype drive itself from Palo Alto, Calif., to the show in Las Vegas.

CES cars

Meanwhile, the Mercedes F 015 Luxury in Motion autonomous driving car drove itself onto the stage for the Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche’s keynote address. The car featured pedestal seats and display screens in the side doors.

Collaboration

Other companies are also working with car manufacturers to develop automotive technologies. Bosch is currently developing augmented reality windshield displays and a “Traffic Jam Assist” system that can help control the longitudinal and lateral movements of a car on congested roadways. Some of the new technologies are already available or will be in the next few months.

CES cars

Volkswagen announced the Golf Touch, which may well be one of the most technologically advanced models currently available. For about $35,000 you can purchase one of these beauties. They come equipped with three displays on the dashboard that can be controlled with in-air motions. Their park assist will also help you park the car right on its charging pad for recharging.

Meanwhile, the Ford Smart Mobility project features worldwide experiments by both in-house and outside experts aimed at transforming personal mobility. BMW’s i3 research vehicle showed off a “Remote Valet Parking Assistant,” which is activated by a smartwatch. And General Motor’s OnStar Driver Assurance System predicts when engine parts might fail.

All the car makers were featuring specialized connectivity with many supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Although self-driving cars are coming quickly, many smaller, incremental technological improvements are poised to make a big difference in new cars in the next five years.

For BMod, I’m .

All Images: Sandy Berger

Sandy Berger

Author: Sandy Berger

Based in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Sandy Berger is a veteran tech journalist and reviews editor at aNewDomain.net covering tech tips and tricks, apps, gadgets, and consumer electronics. Follow @sandyberger on Twitter, +SandyBerger on Google+, and on Facebook.

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