New Automotive Technologies

According to J.D. Power and Associates research, there are 10 new automotive technologies in which car buyers are most interested. Following is a list of the technologies and a brief explanation of how they work:

1. LED Headlights--LED headlights burn brighter and last longer, but are also more expensive. Full LED lighting is typically available only on premium brand vehicles, but LED running lights are now offered on some entry-level models.
2. Natural Language Voice Activation--Voice-recognition technology continues to improve, and is available in a greater variety of languages. Natural language voice activation is designed to recognize normal speech patterns, allowing the driver or vehicle occupants to issue commands outside of a pre-determined list of specific words and phrases, or to compose messages that communications systems can convert into text and send to a recipient.
3. Next-generation Head-up Display--Head-up displays project vehicle data and images onto the windshield for driver reference. The latest versions can be combined with radar-based technologies to help the driver "see" pedestrians and animals ahead on a dark road, even if the headlights don't illuminate them yet.
4. Wireless Connectivity System--Technology that allows the driver and/or passengers to pair smartphones with a vehicle's information and entertainment system, wireless connectivity is offered in a wide range of models, and some also offer mobile Wi-Fi Internet service.
5. Remote Vehicle Diagnostics--The ability to check vehicle system condition remotely, or to operate vehicle systems via smartphone application, is of greater interest to consumers. Some electric and hybrid models allow for cabin pre-conditioning on hot days, ensuring that the car will be cool when you enter it.
6. HD Radio--HD Radio units receive digital AM and FM stations that a standard analog radio cannot, and they offer enhanced capabilities, such as reproducing stations in 5.1 surround sound. Broadcasters use extra channels available on the digital spectrum to expand programming that can only be heard on an HD Radio.
7. Enhanced Collision-Mitigation System--Collision-mitigation systems sound a warning and prepare the braking system to deliver full braking power when the driver reacts to the warning. Enhanced systems can apply the brakes for the driver to stop the vehicle when traveling at low speeds or to slow the vehicle before impact at higher speeds.
8. Surround-view Rear-vision Camera--Rear-vision cameras show what is directly behind a vehicle when it is backing up and gives the driver a 180- to 360-degree view of what is around the vehicle as it backs up, which adds an extra measure of visibility and safety.
9. Personal Assistance Safety Systems--Subscription-based safety systems that can automatically notify authorities of a collision if the air bags deploy, provide the vehicle's location, speed rescue to the scene of the accident, and provide a direct connection to a live operator in the event of an emergency are of interest to consumers.
10. Autonomous Driving Systems--Automakers and Google are exploring autonomous driving systems, which take full control of the vehicle's steering, accelerator, and braking systems. This technology already exists in some cars currently on the market. These vehicles offer self-parking systems that steer a vehicle into a parallel parking space, adaptive cruise control systems that automatically stop and go in heavy traffic, and lane-departure prevention systems that will steer a vehicle back into the intended lane of travel if the driver fails to respond to audible or tactile warnings. Future uses of such radar-based technology are aimed at taking full control of a vehicle.

Article Credit: www.autos.jdpower.com

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