Automobiles have been around a while now, with many of today’s manufacturers in the business for over 100 years. They are, by their nature, pieces of technology that reflect the age they are created in.
By Jason Kerluck – But, occasionally that technology as a whole takes a great leap forward. The last great change in the automobile industry came in the ‘80s. Yes, you heard right . . . the ‘80s.
Big hair, bigger shoulder pads, and not very many fun cars ruled the decade. But, at least as far as automobiles go, the ‘80s were revolutionary. You see, before then, cars were far simpler machines. Something the backyard mechanic could work on.
It was the advent of the microchip that changed the face of the industry. Little computers throughout the vehicle controlled every aspect of our cars. Since then, they have become far safer, much more powerful, and substantially more fuel efficient. Hybrids and other innovations have taken that last great leap to its highest level.
At the “North American International Auto Show” (NAIAS) in Detroit January 16 to January 24, 2016 it became very clear that we were on the cusp of a new revolution — a revolution that is also based on the
technology of the present day.
Smartphones are everywhere. We are perpetually connected to each other and everything else. Social media dominates our lives. As a result, many of the new models come with drive friendly Smartphone
compatibility with social media integration and anywhere there is Wi-Fi.
There is another, more impactful facet to this revolution. One that manufacturers have been adding in a little at a time for the past few years. Consider technologies such as GPS, Blind Spot Monitoring, Self Parking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping, and all the other little driving aids found in automobiles today. They are all key components to the biggest part of this revolution — the Self Driving Vehicle. Many automakers are jumping into the fray wholeheartedly.
What appeared to be the stuff of the animated U.S. sitcom, (aerocars like flying saucers) “The Jetsons,”
will be a reality in a few very short years. According to “I-CAR”, an organization dedicated to providing the training required for repairing the next generation of vehicles, it’s a veritable “Technical Tsunami.”
Ford Motor Company made it clear they are riding this wave. So much so that Mr. “American Idol” himself, Ryan Seacrest (see cover photo) flew to Detroit right from the “Golden Globes” red carpet in California to introduce Bill Ford Jr. and Mark Fields of Ford Motor Company at a press conference.
Story continues HERE
Feature photo: The 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo. Photo by Rod Denis Biz X magazine.
