By the end of 2020, Americans will have purchased 16.8 million new cars in total, the National Automobile Dealers Association reports. New innovations in car technology are a major draw for drivers now looking for safer, as well as more convenient and enjoyable car experiences. In particular, virus-proof cars, driving assistants, and relaxing sounds are some of the newest exciting pieces of car tech to look out for.
Virus-proof cars
Although still in the design process, you can expect to see virus-proof cars on the market in the very near future. One third of car shoppers reveal they’d now start prioritizing purchasing a vehicle with air quality features, in particular. As a result, Fiat is just one major car manufacturer looking at ways to improve air filtration for their heating and cooling systems. Using antimicrobial and easily-cleanable materials for interior surfaces is also a popular idea. The sterilizing abilities of UV light can also be effectively used in new cars. UV lights may be integrated into the car’s lighting systems or headliners, for example, and switched on in short bursts whenever the vehicle’s empty (it’s not safe to use UV light when people are in the car). Over time, this has a thorough sterilizing effect.
Driving assistants
Newer car models are being made with driving assistants designed to improve vehicle safety. For example, BMW’s Active Driving assistant is equipped with automatic emergency braking to slow down or stop the car if the driver fails to brake when necessary. It also has a blind-spot warning system that uses visual and audio warnings to let the driver know when to change lanes. Advanced safety systems are a worthwhile investment: they result in a 27% decrease in bodily injury claim frequency and a 19% reduction in property damage frequency. As such, safer cars are increasingly a priority for consumers. Fortunately, consumer ratings can help car shoppers easily select the right car for their needs; they detail owners’ likes, dislikes, and overall experiences with a certain car, including safety features.
Relaxing sounds
Car designers are increasingly placing a focus on the overall driving experience whether you’re behind the wheel or a passenger. As such, new cars may come with in-built features to help you better relax, unwind, and enjoy the ride. In particular, the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata comes with a Sounds of Nature program designed to help you keep calm despite busy traffic and congestion. The feature is equipped with a variety of appealing and relaxing settings to suit your mood (such as, “warm fireplace”, “open-air cafe”, “rainy day”, “calm sea waves”, and “snowy village”). The cars 12.3-inch touchscreen then displays corresponding images to better set the atmosphere.
Car technology is constantly evolving to make the driving experience even safer and more enjoyable for all involved. Virus-proof cars, driving assistants, and relaxing sounds are some of the newest pieces of tech set to improve how we drive.