56 percent of Americans interested in buying cars research the technology they want in their car before even visiting a dealership, according to a study by Autotrader. Technology is slowly becoming the deciding factor for buyers selecting a vehicle as more customers demand convenience, reliability, and safety in their cars. From modern infotainment systems to forward-collision warnings, these are some of the in-car technologies that automakers need to include in their vehicles to remain competitive.
Safety Tech
Although road accidents have been on the decline in the US over the last few years, 4.4 million people were still treated for injuries resulting from crashes in 2019, according to the National Safety Council. Safety is still a huge concern for automakers, which is why they are coming up with all sorts of technologies to make their vehicles safer.
For example, automatic emergency braking is a life-saving feature that uses sensors to stop a vehicle autonomously when there’s danger ahead, faster and more efficiently than a human driver can. Adaptive cruise control is another safety feature that was only found in the most luxurious vehicles a few years ago but is now in most new cars.
This feature uses a radar system and cameras to track the vehicles ahead and then adjusts the speed accordingly. Lane keeps assist is another feature that uses the brakes and steering to keep a vehicle in its lane, helping to make roads a bit safer.
Convenience Tech
Car buyers are looking for features that make it easier for them to use their cars. For example, rearview cameras are now standard in all vehicles under 10,000 pounds, which is making it easier for drivers to back into the tightest parking spots. Car keys have also been replaced by the push-button start and keyless entry systems, saving drivers from having to carry car keys everywhere they go. In-car navigation has also come a long way.
Modern navigation technology can download traffic data to guide drivers to the fastest routes and search for local points of interest, making road trips more fun. Smartphone integration is another convenient feature that allows drivers to use smartphone functions from the driver’s seat, including making calls, messaging and playing music.
While the powertrain is still important, automakers need to focus more on how drivers and passengers interact with modern and increasingly sophisticated vehicles. As technology advances, we can only look forward to more features that will revolutionize not only the automotive industry but also human transportation in general.