Top Ten Technology Trends In The Cars Of The 21st Century
Nowadays, automakers have much more work cut out for them when they bring out a new car model. Gone are the days when the efficiency of a car’s engine served as the main selling point. Modern must-haves are interior technologies and their ability to enhance the driving experience regarding safety and entertainment. Here are the Top Ten Technology Trends In The Cars Of The 21st Century.
Parking Assist
It’s already a hassle to find a parking spot in a crowded area but with the park assist system geared on modern vehicles, this inconvenience will be a thing of the past. This technology features a blend of sensors, cameras, and radar arrays that not only aid in finding an appropriate spot but will also lead the car into the parking space without needing the driver to take over. It’s also a fun watch for those who pass by.
Reverse Assist
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that more than 6,000 people are injured yearly by vehicles that are backing up, with 2,400 being children. With the reverse park assist, it helps the driver by pointing out objects that are in his or her blind spot. Basic ones use ultrasonic technology to estimate how close the car is to something. It’s even estimated that most reverse and parking accidents can be prevented by using reverse parking. JD Power reports that these systems aren’t just reliable, but are largely unaffected by most weather conditions.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This feature has become a common standard in modern vehicles, as it sets a specific speed limit while the driver takes their foot off the gas. It’s made to help vehicles keep a safe following distance and remain in the speed limit, it also automatically changes the vehicle’s speed so the driver doesn’t have to. A system of radars is used in order to determine the speed of the vehicle ahead of the driver, and it was first introduced in luxury cars such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Many people find this as a useful feature during long drivers, however, it can be a bit impractical in busy areas since there is frequent stopping, so it might be best to use this on the highway.
Head-Up Displays (HUDs)
This is another cool feature that fits in the category as a safety gadget, as it prevents distracting driving. How it works is that it shows important information about the car such as the fuel level or current speed, and shows the transparent display on the windshield on the driver’s side. This technology discourages the driver from taking their eyes off the road, thus, preventing an accident. For some HUDs, it allows for your own personalization, in which you can choose from various colors and even change the information that you want shown at the time.
Driver Drowsiness Detection
One of the leading causes of accidents is driver fatigue and results in thousands of deaths each year. Hopefully, this may no longer be a reality in a few years following the implementation of Drowsiness Detection coming along with some new vehicles. It mainly inholds a sensor array that has different standards such as blinks-per-minute or lane monitoring to assess how focused the driver is at the wheel. It will activate either visually or another type of alert if it detects a lack of attentiveness.
Gesture and Voice Controls
As with the HUD, gesture and voice controls are made to discourage drivers from looking off the road. The system lets you control the car’s infotainment system and other functions without having to reach for the buttons or tapping the screen. For example, Mercedes-Benz simply requires you to wave your hands in a specific way or say the activation phrase “Hey, Mercedes”, followed by a command, like “Where is the nearest gas station?”. It may take some getting used to, but after a while, it will make conventional controls feel so outdated.
Autonomous Driving
While we’re not quite in the place where we can just get in our car, tell it our preferred destination, and take a cat nap on the way there, some automakers have systems that nearly mimic this fantasy. Upon activation, a smart system “takes the wheel” and aids you in looking for a parking space, maneuvering out of tight spots, and even helping out when there is a traffic jam. You may find this technology in brands like Tesla, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz.
Blind Spot Warning
Dire consequences have happened as a result of unawareness of nearby vehicles or objects from blind-spots, but luckily, most modern vehicles have a camera or sensor that can detect these areas for you. If it senses another vehicle in either your rearview or side, it will alert you either audibly, with a warning light, or a fuse of both.
Heat And Massage Functions
A common symptom after a long drive is a sore back or stiff neck. A feature that was previously exclusive to expensive vehicles, message seats are now included in many affordable brands and helps in adding some level of comfort at your discretion. In addition to this, it may also include heating functions in the seats, door handles, and even armrests.
Ambient Lighting
There has been much research done regarding how color has an effect on a person’s mood, particularly the driver. Manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Audi used this information to outfit this concept in their cars, with many models of these brands featuring a slew of ambient colors that can be activated at a moments notice. Some are even matched with fragrance dispensing systems to really help with setting the mood as you’re bathed in the warm glow.
Drivers Auto Mart
Most modern vehicles contain a great deal of these technologies, and when you shop at Driver’s Auto Mart, you’re guaranteed to find a car model to your liking. Simply view our online pre-owned inventory and chat with a representative for further assistance.
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