Technology is one of the critical forces that are reshaping the automotive industry.
By the year 2022, there will be approximately 125 million connected cars globally, according to studies by Counterpoint Research IoT tracker. Driving is naturally an exciting experience, and in the UK, 7 out of 10 people enjoy, it according to a survey by Telegraph Monitoring. Now, the addition of modern technologies to cars further adds to the experience by making it more thrilling. Tech advancements in the auto industry are usually aimed at improving on a car's safety, providing advanced entertainment systems, or just pure innovation to help a car brand stand out from its competitors. Types of tech used vary from simple to complex ones, such as the flywheel energy storage used in Formula 1, but those that have truly revolutionised the auto industry include adaptive cruise control, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and vehicle tracking systems.
Adaptive Cruise Control System
Technology and connectivity help boost the popularity of a car model, especially the adaptive cruise control. The Adaptive Cruise Control feature, commonly referred to as ACC, uses an array of sensors built into the car to control its speed in relation to the speeds of cars ahead of it. This ensures that safe distance is maintained, as stipulated by the general driving rules in the UK. When the system detects the reduced distance between cars that may lead to a collision, brakes are applied automatically. The car then accelerates automatically after a safe distance is reestablished with the car in front. This technology has been useful in the reduction of collisions on highways and busy streets.
Apple Carplay And Android Auto
Most cars are fitted with interfaces that are usually complicated to use and are prone to malfunctioning. It is for this reason that manufacturers have decided to integrate the more familiar and user-friendly smartphone interface using Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Both simplify systems, allowing one to access music and maps, as well as text and calls using a phone's built-in voice control features. All you have to do is plug your device into the car or connect it via Bluetooth, and you can control your car through your integrated smartphone. This piece of technology is valuable because it enables you to do several tasks, such as play music or text, without taking your eyes off the road, thereby, minimising accidents resulting from distracted driving.
Vehicle Tracking System
It was estimated that more than 700,000 vehicles will be stolen in 2019. Of this, only 46% will be recovered, which shows the need for vehicle tracking systems in business and personal cars. Tracking systems in cars use automatic vehicle location in individual vehicles with software that collects location data. Modern vehicles use GPS, GLONASS technology or other systems to locate the vehicle. The system is implanted in two areas: the car's security system and its assistance system. Good examples are General Motors Onstar and BMW's connected drive.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic emergency braking is a system that is designed to activate itself when warning sensors detect a possible collision. In case the sensors of a car's system detect the possibility of a forward collision, brakes are applied automatically to stop the vehicle. This helps to avoid crashes entirely or greatly reduce the impact of a collision. Automatic emergency braking systems are one of the key ways of reducing accidents on UK roads - so key, in fact, that automakers agreed it will be a standard feature in all cars by 2022.
More than ever, customers continue to use technology and connectivity as key determinants on decisions regarding the type of vehicle to invest in. Tech features such as advanced cruise control, automatic emergency braking and smartphone integration are some of the ways tech gurus and automakers are coming together to revolutionise the auto industry. The future of auto technology is very promising, and there are no doubts that even though the current trends are fascinating, the best is yet to come.
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