13 New Car Innovations Worth Noting

Technology moves at a blistering rate. Tech advancements in vehicles make today’s cars seem futuristic until the bells and whistles become the new normal. While flying cars are still only seen in sci-fi movies, new car innovations make it easier to visualize that becoming a reality. Here’s a peek at what you can expect from cars in the near future if not already at your dealership.

1. Facial Recognition Technology

Facial recognition technology is a distraction-monitoring system that monitors eye movements and tracks when a driver is distracted, tired, or displaying reckless behavior. If you are displaying warning signs, facial recognition technology offers a reminder to keep your eyes on the road or suggests taking a break if you’re too distracted or tired to drive. This may be good for long-distance driving.

2. Gesture Controls

Touted as the “Next Big Thing” by c|Net, a few car companies are testing gesture controls that would allow drivers to adjust temperatures, open / close the windows and sunroof, change playlists, and more. The gesture system would be powered by a 3-D camera and would react to various motions from the driver’s hand.

3. OnStar: the Next Generation

OnStar is known for its ability to make calls or unlock your car if your keys are locked inside. But now, OnStar can analyze your driving. OnStar can send your driving data to select insurance companies, potentially creating an insurance discount for your safe driving.

OnStar’s “At Your Service” can also save you money on your favorite goodies. At Your Service searches nearby stores and favorite destinations for coupons or deals and delivers them to your phone. The service can also help book hotel rooms!

4. Video Cameras

Many late-model vehicles come equipped with rear-view cameras, offering drivers the ability to see hidden objects behind them as they back up. Multiple cameras are also available for enlarging the field of vision with 3 to 5 different angles. Picture how much easier parking would be since color coded screens depict different distances.

5. Text Alerts when Damaged

Imagine getting a text from your car when it’s dinged in a parking lot? Good information to have, yet what a futuristic concept. Or is it? Hella, a German company, plans to give future vehicles the ability to detect when they’ve been damaged — and with how much force. If it’s tied into a vehicle’s communication system and cameras, the technology will record the incident even when you’re not around, and send you an instant text alert.

6. Self-Driving Cars

2019–2020 will see the first self-driving cars if all goes well. Apple is rumored to be working on a self-driving car available for 2019. Google believes they will have 10 million driver-less cars available for 2020.

BMW is also working on a self-parking mechanism called “Remote Valet Parking Assistant.” The idea is to drop off the driver and let the vehicle work its way to the nearest parking spot. The driver is then able to summon the vehicle with their smart device when he or she is ready to leave.

7. Package Deliveries

Volvo thought of a novel idea to add more value for its customers. When a Volvo owner shopped online, they could opt to have items delivered to their car at work without them around! Volvo would send the delivery company a one-time digital key that would guide the delivery employee to the car’s location and allow entry. The delivery person gains access to your car’s interior and trunk to leave the package. Your vehicle would notify you when the package is in the vehicle and the car is locked up. Volvo realizes that this would work in some communities but doubtful in some areas like New York City.

8. Remote Monitoring

Smartwatches and smart phones are now able to locate a driver’s late-model vehicle, lock the doors, stop the engine, and even honk the horn! All your smart device needs is Bluetooth technology and cellular or internet connection.

9. Remote Shutdown When Stolen

Remote vehicle shutdown is offered in more vehicles every year and is an effective method for combating grand theft auto. It allows the vehicle’s owner to shut down the car if it has been stolen. This technology prevents dangerous car chases, potentially saving lives.

10. Accident-Avoidance Technology

Auto-braking technology and collision-mitigation systems use sensors to identify oncoming vehicles, helping prevent accidents before they happen. Volvo is taking accident avoidance to another level. Volvo has a technology that will bring the car to a complete stop to prevent a collision.

11. Biometric Vehicle Access

If keyless entry has become commonplace now, what can you expect to see in 20 years? The answer — fingerprint entry. Drivers will be able to unlock and start vehicles with nothing more than a fingerprint. Retina scanners are also being considered by car companies, but don’t expect to see them anytime soon. This would put the kibosh on package deliveries inside your car. (See number 7.)

12. Parental Controls on Vehicles

You’re probably accustomed to parental controls on your TV and computers. Now you can worry less about your teen drivers on the road too. Some vehicles allow parents to program speed limits so that your teen can’t engage in racing of any kind. You can also set maximum decibel levels for the audio system. Other drivers will appreciate that and your teens may also, later in life. The program will even constantly remind teenage drivers to wear seatbelts if they aren’t already.

13. Airbags That Stop Cars

Mercedes is experimenting with airbags that expand underneath a vehicle. The airbags have a friction coating that helps slow vehicles and doubles stopping power. The airbags also cushion any impact, correct lean during hard braking, and help prevent passengers from sliding under seat belts during collision.