As the cost of new technology goes down, new cars are increasingly highlighting technology as a major buying feature. This may be nothing new for the premium car segment, but this means that more of this new technology is becoming standard in mid-range and more affordable cars. Let’s take a look at some of the in-demand in-car tech innovations.
Around View Monitor
Rear view monitors have become mainstream and no longer have much panache among consumers. The latest camera systems are around view monitors, helping drivers see not just behind the car but around the car. This system was first introduced on the Infiniti EX, a crossover from Nissan’s luxury brand. The around view monitor helps drivers navigate tight spaces and avoid minor fender benders. St Louis Acura says the system also makes parallel parking extremely easy.
Ford MyKey
The Ford MyKey is basically a key specifically for teen drivers. The system allows drivers to control a number of functions inside the car, such as top speed, stereo volume, and it controls various warning chimes. Parents can program the Ford MyKey system to their specifications, which Pittsburgh Lincoln Financing says will help to add peace of mind when children are out on the road. MyKey will be standard on the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford Escape hybrid. By 2012, MyKey will become standard on all vehicles.
Automatic Braking Systems
Using sonar and radar, automatic braking technology is able to monitor the closing speed of your car and the car ahead. If it detects that an impact may be imminent, the system will apply the vehicle’s brakes automatically without any input from the driver according to one used car dealer Trenton. The system was first featured on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but can also be had on the 2010 E-Class. Other vehicles that have adopted similar technology include Lexus and Volvo. While it’s not a replacement for safe driving, the system can prevent minor impacts that occur from distractions.
Lane Departure Warning Systems
Lane departure warning systems alert a driver whenever a vehicle begins to veer outside of a lane. When the vehicle steps over a double yellow line, one used Mercedes Baltimore dealer points out that the system helps the drivers avoid a serious accident with an on-coming car, or even a motorcycle. While the system was first developed by Infiniti, it has since found its way into numerous brands including Cadillac, Lexus, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Some customers at Acura Service New Haven have thought the system is a bit too sensitive and annoying when it beeps unnecessarily. However, these systems can be shut off manually.
Driver Alertness Monitor
Also developed by Mercedes-Benz is the driver alertness monitor. The system monitors if a driver is falling asleep at the wheel. If the system senses a dozing driver, Mercedes Benz Washington DC says it will attempt to wake the driver up. Typically found on Mercedes S- and E-Class models, the system can also be found on Volvo models as well, including the S80 sedan. While the system could potentially startle a drowsy driver admits Indianapolis Mercedes and potentially could cause an accident, the system should be useful for those driving on long trips or who regularly drive late at night. That being said, anyone getting drowsy at the wheel should immediately pull off the road and call it a night.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.
Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.
Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.
