Trends that will be affecting the future were everywhere at this year’s auto show here in LA . The trends include increased screen size, innovative camera uses, digital mobility options, electrification and… a dog kissing booth.
“Besides the 60 vehicle debuts, automakers are offering technology to help drivers and passengers such as fancy screens, texting without picking up the phone and advanced safety features.” says Alexis Evans, Director of Communications for AutoMobility LA and the LA Auto Show.” She adds that visitors are excited to touch, feel and experience new unique car technology.
Although most screens in car dashes on display are not as huge as the BYTON screen size of 1.25 meters wide 25 cm high, we are seeing screens expand across the dash. For example, the Hyundai Palisade SUV has 12.3-inch (31.242 cm) fully-digital TFT center instrument cluster with a separate instrument screen, while the NEXO Fuel Cell infotainment display is a high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Mercedes Benz GLE SUV has dual-12.3″ digital instrument cluster and 12.3″ touchscreen multimedia displays.
Besides touchscreens, there are more aviation inspired heads-up displays (HUD.) The Hyundai Palisade’s offers an available HUD that projects a virtual image onto the windshield.
In the future, there will be more display options. The concept BMW i Next has ‘intelligent projection’ that projects images on surfaces and turns them into interactive displays with functions operated through fingers touching surfaces or via a virtual keyboard.
With the Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo concept van, information is projected onto the road in 3D via its Augmented Reality (AR) head-up display. Instead of rearview mirrors rear view images are projected onto small screens in the cab.
According to Tom Conney a LA-based technology and mobility consultant: “This year, at the LA Auto Show, there are more options for subscription services instead of buying or leasing.” He says that Volvo, GM, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz offer subscription services. Conney also noted an increase in peer-to-peer vehicle sharing such as Turo and Riders Share for motorcycles.
In fact, Continental and Turo announced a peer-to-peer car sharing through the new application Turo Go, for Turo users that don’t always have the time to deliver keys in person.
Volvo touted package delivery in car trunks, car sharing, its vision for autonomous driving was displayed in the Volvo 360c concept through VR. Volvo also previewed Volvo and Google’s new personal infotainment service.
Porsche announced it is offering Porsche 360+ services app that provides trained human-staffed concierge services via telephone. The feed-based driver’s assistant subscription service will debut in Germany together with the new 911.
Porsche is also offering a mapping app Porsche Road Trip. The app curates routes for the best driving experience, hotels and restaurants. The app can be used in any vehicle, including classic cars.
“In the future Porsche Road Trip will be integrated into the Porsche infotainment system, starting with the new 911 in spring 2019,” ” says Tanja Duetshenbauer, spokeswoman for Porsche.
BMW announced that soon, BMW owners with BMW Connected apps will be able to pay for parking meters from their cars in over 300 cities. Lincoln Aviator owners can use their smartphones as a key to the vehicle.
Cameras are watching for bumps in the road. The next generation Jeep Gladiator trucks will have a trail camera to better navigate over rocks and rough surfaced while the Lincoln Aviator SUV has a camera designed to detect potholes. The new Nissan Murano SL Technology Package features Traffic Sign Recognition.
“Electrification takes center stage at the LA Auto Show, though major debuts are still a few years out from hitting the roads,” says Jeff Huron, specialist, connected car for SBD.
Electric vehicle announcements included the Kia Niro EV, Kia Soul EV, Subaru of America first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, the hybrid Toyota Corolla and Rivian’s adventure vehicles. Also on display were URB-E electric mobility scooters. Concept electric vehicles include the Mitsubishi-Evolution Concept SUV, the BMW i Next, Byton K-Byte/-M-Byte and Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Cargo van. The Audi e-tron GT concept can be charged in several ways including contactless induction with Audi Wireless Charging.
We are sorry to report to coffee drinkers, water dieters, teetotallers and soda-sippers who imbibe on the road that the Hyundai Palisade SUV has only 16 cup holders, three short of the 19 cup holders found in the Subaru Ascent, last year.
However, there is something for everyone at the LA Auto Show. Dog lovers can stop by the Subaru dog kissing booth to smooch a pooch or adopt one. Movie fans can see the BumbleBee transformer 1967 VW Beetle from the new movie and kids can see a Porsche made of giant Legos.
No matter what car Angelinos buy or subscribe to, we are proud.
“The Los Angeles Auto Show and our automakers understand that in LA we take pride in our culture, design, technology, and experiences,” concludes Alexis Evans.
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