Auto shows give us a glimpse of the future. We can see what to expect next season, as well as what we might be able to look forward to in the next years. Here is a look at five trends from the industry’s top motor events.
The Geneva Motor Show focused on electric cars this year. Tesla has been a front runner with electric vehicle technology, but other auto makers are quickly closing the gap. 2019 looks to be the year of the electric luxury sports utility vehicle. The Tesla Model X set the bar very high in this category, but luxury brands have met the challenge. Motor events this year saw the introduction of multiple jaw dropping new models. Jaguar introduced the I-Pace, which has all the luxury one expects from that brand. The Audi e-tron is a much anticipated debut. Other new electric SUVs for 2019 include the Mercedes-Benx EQ, Volvo XC40, and the Ford Mach 1.
The United States Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao, made an appearance at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. She told attendees that the federal government will introduce federal autonomous guidelines to modernize regulations for autonomous cars. The future of driving (or driverless driving), is rapidly approaching. General Motors has petitioned the government for permission to test vehicles that have no steering wheel or pedals. Ford has similar plans. Detroit’s auto show sought to raise public awareness of autonomous transportation. The Geneva Motor Show revealed what that future might look like. The Renault EZ-Go concept car gave visitors an idea of what autonomous driving might be like.
The top selling cars in the American auto market are Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Luxury auto makers have caught on to this trend and introduced multiple new luxury SUV models for 2019. Acura has redesigned the RDX, while Audi has added the Q8 to their growing SUV line. Volvo has not one but three new SUV models for 2019. Luxury SUVs garnered a lot of attention at motor events this year, and the selection is impressive.
Auto makers continually find new ways to make driving safer. Multiple new features are introduced each year. Most luxury brands include the safety mechanisms as standard features in their models. The Maserati Stability Program (MSP) uses multiple sensors to monitor driving. Land Rover has the Driver Condition Monitor. These safety systems can use input to activate braking systems or to selectively reduce engine torque. Lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic monitors, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition programs are all safety features that have been introduced or improved upon this year.
Drivers do not want to leave their technology at home. They want to take their tech with them wherever they travel, and auto makers are updating their vehicles to meet this demand. The 2018 Volvo XC60 stands out at shows thanks to the redesigned high tech equipment that comes with the new model. Drivers can control many of the SUVs functions using 9 inch vertical touch screen which is similar to an iPad. Apple Car Play and Android Auto come standard with the vehicle and can both be controlled with the center touch screen. Multiple other auto makers have added scores of new high tech features in their vehicles. These features include hands free calling, wireless charging, Wi Fi hot spots, and standard USB ports throughout the automobile.
What might come next? Make plans now to attend one of the world’s top luxury car events. These shows are at the top of our list for keeping up with what is new in the world of automobiles.
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