The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and in recent years, new technologies have significantly impacted how cars are manufactured, marketed, and used. From electric and autonomous vehicles to advanced manufacturing techniques, these innovations are transforming the industry and offering consumers more options than ever before. A car broker can help you find the perfect car with the advanced technologies to meet your needs. Here are five of the most influential in-vehicle technologies currently on the market:

Electric and Autonomous Vehicles

One of the most significant changes in the automotive industry in recent years has been the emergence of electric and autonomous vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) run on batteries rather than gasoline and produce zero emissions, making them a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional internal combustion engines. Autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars, use sensors and computer-controlled systems to navigate and drive without the need for a human driver.

The adoption of EVs and autonomous vehicles is still in the early stages, but these technologies can potentially revolutionize travel. EVs offer several benefits over traditional gasoline-powered cars, including lower operating costs, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and fewer emissions. On the other hand, autonomous vehicles could reduce the number of traffic accidents and improve traffic flow, as they can sense and react to their surroundings in a way that human drivers cannot.

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

New technologies are also transforming the way cars are manufactured. Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and robotics, are being used to streamline the production process and create more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing systems.

3D printing, in particular, has the potential to revolutionize the automotive industry. By using 3D printing to create automotive parts and components, manufacturers can reduce the time and cost of production and create customized parts for specific models or customers. Conversely, robots can improve the speed and precision of manufacturing processes, leading to higher quality and more efficient production.

Marketing and Sales

New technologies are also changing the way cars are marketed and sold. The rise of the internet and social media has made it easier for automakers to reach potential customers and promote their products. Online car sales platforms, such as Carvana and Vroom, have also emerged, allowing consumers to browse and purchase cars from their homes.

In addition, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are being used by automakers to give consumers a more immersive and interactive experience when shopping for cars. For example, some automakers are using VR to allow customers to virtually test drive cars, while others are using AR to display cars in different colors and configurations, allowing customers to visualize what their cars would look like with different options and features.

Connected and Shared Mobility

The rise of connected and shared mobility services is also changing the way we use cars. Connected cars are equipped with sensors and communication systems that allow them to connect to the internet and share data with other devices. This allows for a range of new services and features, such as real-time traffic updates, remote diagnostics, and even the ability to start the car from a smartphone remotely.

Shared mobility services, such as ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft, are also changing the way we think about car ownership. Instead of owning a car, more and more people are opting to use shared mobility services for their transportation needs. This trend is especially pronounced in urban areas, where the convenience and cost-effectiveness of shared mobility services make them a more attractive option than owning a car.

Conclusion:

The automotive industry is amidst a technological revolution, with new technologies transforming how cars are designed, manufactured, marketed, and used. Electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles offer more efficient and sustainable alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered cars, while advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and robotics are streamlining the production process. The rise of connected and shared mobility services is also changing the way we use cars, and new technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality are being used to give car shoppers a more immersive and interactive experience. As these technologies become increasingly prevalent, they will continue to shape the future of the automotive industry.

In conclusion, new technologies are having a significant impact on the automotive industry. From electric and autonomous vehicles to advanced manufacturing techniques and connected and shared mobility. 

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are one of the most reliable solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring increased fuel efficiency. It can offer higher driving ranges without restricting the battery capacity. But in order to avail of these benefits, a larger number of people need to adapt to this technology. 

If you look at the global market, several environmental and political debates are going on regarding climate change and the use, sources, and use of energy. At present, transportation is responsible for one-third of the greenhouse gas emission within the United States. The plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles ensure several benefits to the consumers and the environment as well. Once the transportation industry gets powered by the electric grid, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a considerable level. However, the estimated use of these resources depends upon regional power generation capabilities. The smart grid technologies are expected to increase the grid efficiency while fulfilling the peak demands. Furthermore, the utilization of these new technologies also depends on a shift in the sources of power generation from traditional biomass fuels to cleaner solutions such as renewable energy and natural gas. The modern-age vehicle to grid technologies are further capable enough to serve peak demands while ensuring positive demands regarding grid efficiency.

Considering the consumer perspective, PHEV ensures larger savings in terms of fuel costs without limiting the range of electric vehicles. But consumers in different regions are not much aware of these benefits; therefore, they are not able to make decisions regarding investing in these new-age vehicles. 

A survey conducted by experts in the year 2008 reveals that almost 69% of the consumers in the United States have almost negligible familiarity with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology. Although the awareness is now growing on a global level; many countries are still facing challenges in terms of powerful batteries and recharging points. Wide-spread adoption of the technology has become a challenge for low and middle-income countries. 

Experts reveal that there is a strong need of understanding market conditions for introducing electric vehicles. The researchers and policymakers need to do an in-depth analysis of energy prices, incentives, potential policies, and other aspects affecting the choice of the consumers. It is also important to develop cross-correlation between various demographic variables that could promote early adoption of the technology. Other than this, the research groups need to collect data from crowd-sourcing platforms to understand consumer interests. It may help them to find solid differences between the mindset of people who are willing to buy electric vehicles and those who are not ready to consider the potential of this technology. 

The main goals of consumer survey regarding the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles must be: i) identifying customer interests regarding electric vehicle technology, ii) identifying factors that influence consumer’s mindset to consider the new technology, iii) assessing investment possibilities of the consumers for the electric vehicles in comparison to the cost-saving on fuel consumption, iv) analysis on distribution and correlations between buyer’s attitude and demographics. Moreover, the survey must provide a clear analysis of the trade-off between long-term and short-term financial concerns. 

While conducting a survey on consumer decisions regarding plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the analysis focuses on six important factors: participant demographics, purchase decisions, vehicle acquisition, environment, and energy, discounting questions, and PHEV technology. In order to ensure accuracy in the survey, the researchers also need to follow trustworthy statistical methods. Even if the population sizes are small based on the demographics, it is important to choose fairly representative samples. 

Considering the stats obtained from the survey conducted in the year 2010 on census population, the participants identified several factors influencing their vehicle purchase decisions including income levels, driving distances, education levels, age groups, and left-leaning politics. However, the preferences of consumers in the present day have changed by a considerable level. People these days are more concerned about vehicle characteristics such as performance, MPG, price, and vehicle class. Furthermore, the advertising influences and social factors also play important role in their purchase decisions. Therefore, the purchase frequency of hybrid cars may also depend on all these aspects. The individuals who responded to the recent survey also considered comfort as the main parameter behind their decision to buy a new vehicle.

About 20 years ago, not a lot of people think it is possible to send an email using a mobile phone. Today, we have man-less drones and airplanes that can drive themselves. If you imagine that cars will drive themselves in the near future, you are right. In fact, the day cars will drive themselves may be sooner than you think.​​​​​​

Driverless cars are no longer a fantasy like the one in the 1977 Hollywood movie "The Car" or the 1969 movie, “Herbie”. Big automakers are already playing with the idea of putting driverless cars on the roads in the near future. There is a good chance that one day, you can enter a taxi with no driver or have a car deliver your pizza at your doorstep. While this is not possible right now, there have been a lot of predictions from big automakers that give us a glimpse into the future.

Below, we will take a look at some of the biggest predictions by automakers on the future of self-driving cars. Keep on reading to find out more.

Tesla Eager To Put Self Driving Cars On the Road This Year (2019)

Tesla, led by ambitious CEO Elon Musk is a company known for its innovation and they are never afraid to make bold predictions. Apart from working very hard to offer space tourism, the CEO is very confident that before the end of 2019, Tesla will perfect a self-driving car that can efficiently travel on major roads.

General Motors Dreams of Replacing Rideshare Cars With Driverless Cars

Tesla isn't the only automaker with big plans for 2019, General Motors are working seriously to revolutionize rideshare services with self-driving cars. According to the company, they aim to offer a driverless alternative to Lyft and Uber before the end of 2019.

If this works, it will be a major disruption in the rideshare industry and the way we travel. General Motors hopes that their innovation will lead to more convenient and budget-friendly rideshare services.

Ford To Product Fully Autonomous Cars For Delivery

While General Motors are concentrating on revolutionizing the rideshare services, Ford - the giant automaker is investing heavily in developing autonomous cars that will play a huge role in delivery. This USA-based automaker is confident that they will put their autonomous cars on the road by 2021.

Ford is currently working with Walmart to make cars that the latter can use in delivery of products. The company also planned to make the car available to other customers. Should this become possible, retailers and businesses like Walmart and Amazon can save money by eliminating the need for human drivers.

Volvo To Make Self-Driving Cars For Uber

Another automaker based in Europe - Volvo, has recently signed a contract to provide Uber with a line of fully autonomous cars. Volvo isn't just hoping to build autonomous cars but the company has a lofty ambition of standing out among the competition by designing luxury autonomous vehicles. The European automaker wants to offer consumers stress-free rides.

Final Word

There is no doubt that we would soon rethink how we drive cars. The automakers mentioned above are by no means the only companies that are working on developing autonomous vehicles. What we could say is that these self-driving vehicles will soon share roads with us. When they are finally put on our roads, there will be a major disruption in various aspects of our daily life. Without a doubt, self-driving vehicles will impact us positively like reducing the cost of travel and accidents. Hopefully, you are ready for autonomous vehicles.