Miscellaneous Technology

6 Car Technology Shifts You Can Expect in 2020

The automotive industry has come a long way in the last decade and will continue to evolve and provide better, more advanced services and products in the future. Factors like digital technology, consumer sentiments, and public safety are playing a strong role in shaping the future of the industry. In 2020, we expect to see some exciting car technology shifts that are likely to revolutionize the way we commute. Let’s take a look at some of them. 

1. Enhanced Security with Biometric Access 

Security has emerged as a top concern amongst the consumer base of the automotive industry. As a result, innovators are keen on coming up with ways to enhance security. Biometric access is one way of taking car security to the next level and bigwigs of the industry are already working on it. 

We have already seen this level of security with our smartphones, laptops, and even smart homes. It is time we utilize similar technology to improve our cars and ensure passenger security. This technology will ensure that only you can access and control your car. This means that in the coming years, your fingerprint will be required to unlock and start the car. 

With this new car locking system, we can finally stop worrying about losing the car keys every time you are out for a drive!  

2. Better-On-Road Safety with Driver Override Systems 

On-road safety is essential for safe travelling, so it does not come as a surprise that the automotive industry is working towards making the roads as safe as possible. Override systems is currently an emerging trend when it comes to passenger safety. It is the next step towards autonomous cars. It involves a smart brake system that can override the commands of the driver to keep them safe. 

In some latest models, we already have smart systems that apply the emergency brake if the car is in danger of a collision and the driver panics or forgets to apply the brake. However, these systems don’t override the driver’s commands. 

The new brake system will take this technology a step further by being able to defy the driver’s actions that may lead to damage. For instance, if there’s a danger of collision, the system will apply emergency brakes even if the driver is pressing the gas pedal. While this evolved brake technology will certainly make our roads safer, the consumer base of the automotive industry may take some time embracing and trusting it.     

3. Eco-Friendly Cars for a Greener Planet

Eco-friendly cars are here to stay. One of the major objectives that these cars are designed to achieve is to cut down on the pollution caused by cars on the road. New Lexus SUVs are selling well as new car buyers are looking for low gas consumption features. Sales charts all around the world are indicating a high demand for affordable electric and hybrid cars. 

Just a few years ago, eco-friendly cars were considered to be a niche market; however, in 2020, we can expect to see some serious advancements in this area. It won’t be a stretch to say that fuel-efficient supercars are all the new rage. It’s time the automotive industry comes up with eco-friendly and affordable solutions that contribute toward a greener planet!  

4. Mobility Companies and Car-Sharing Services 

Car sharing is the latest consumer trend of the automotive industry and may play a huge part in shaping its future. With every passing day, more and more people are opting for car-sharing services. The number of mobility companies like Uber and Lyft is on the rise all around the world. 

This shift in how people prefer to commute is groundbreaking as it comes with multiple benefits. For instance, car sharing is the ideal solution for reducing the number of cars on the road globally, which can reduce pollution produced by cars. Apart from that, it is a cost-effective solution that is more affordable for a large percentage of the population. It is thus safe to say that in the next few years, we will see a surge in car-sharing services. 

5. Brain-Assisted Vehicles for Quicker Actions 

Many accidents can be avoided if drivers can take quick actions. Since the car technology shift in 2020 is all about passenger safety, the automotive industry may introduce brain-assisted, car-controlling technology. The technology will enable the vehicle to take action—like applying brakes or swerving—on its own by detecting what the driver is about to do. 

This means that in emergency situations, the vehicle will take action as soon as the driver thinks of it. The driver will have to wear some sort of headset with electrodes that will enable the car to detect and process the thoughts of the driver. Keep in mind that this is not the same as autonomous car technology. The vehicle will not act on its own. Instead, it will perform the action that the driver thinks.  

The technology is truly revolutionary, and once it is streamlined, it can find application in many other areas in the automotive industry. For all we know, in the next few years, you may be purchasing your first brain-assisted vehicle headset at a Lexus dealership!

6. Cars with Medical Sensors 

Drivers falling asleep or medical emergencies while driving is a common culprit behind car accidents. In 2020, get ready for vehicles with medical sensors that will detect if the driver falls asleep or gets ill while driving. In both cases, the car will take over to avoid the risk of collision on the road. The medical sensors may even allow for remote medical examinations of the driver. 

These are the top six shifts in car technology that we can expect in 2020 or the next few years. The bigwigs of the automotive industry are already working on all of them, and it’s just a matter of time before we experience these innovations first hand!

About the author

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Shannon Garofalo

Shannon Garofalo is a Web Director at Lexus of Naperville, known for its Lexus dealership service. She has been working with the Dan Wolf Auto Group for last 8 years. While not at work, she loves to ride her new Lexus RX-350.