Quite a bit has changed in seemingly a short period of time. Cell phones are now mini computers, tablets are replacing desktops and there are apps for everything imaginable. The auto industry has been turned upside down as well with the introduction to hybrids, biodiesel and straight up electric cars. Technology has been good for the environment as well the economy with regards to the automobile industry. This was evident during the market crash when we were paying $5 per gallon. Although it wasn’t a willingness that changes were made, rather it was spurred on by the buying public and after receiving a bail out from the government, they had no choice.
Although Toyota is credited for the first hybrid, the Prius, the concept dates back as far as 1898 when the Australian Dr. Ferdinand Porsche introduced the hybrid. Although it could only travel 40 miles on a full charge. The all electric car was first conceived by Robert Anderson in 1839. In fact, both the hybrid and electric cars have been with us all along, but they never saw mass production even though the U.S. Congress introduced bills for research and development for non gasoline cars as far back as 1966. Of course, at the time gas was affordable, averaging $0.25 cents a gallon. Since then, it has seen spikes in price as far up as $4.75 in 2014 and that was only in the U.S.
Hybrid cars were developed as an answer to the high price of gas, but that isn’t the only reason. Ever since Vice President Al Gore introduced us to global warming, the race to save the plant has been on. The recent deal with China was long overdue as gas exhaust is the main contributor to air pollution. Whether you believe in global warming or not, there is no question the petrol fumes are responsible for the deterioration of the air we need to breath.
More technology advancements in the automobile industry are coming every day, and becoming the norm, to the point we don’t know how to live without them. All new cars must install airbags making them safer than ever to drive and live through an accident. Many cars have brake sensing and lane control which alert the driver of a pending fender bender. Bluetooth allows us to make hands free phone calls which has resulted in fewer accidents. Parallel parking has become easier as many cars will now park you and if your car doesn’t have that option, it will most likely come with a rear backup camera. What was once an optional feature is becoming standard equipment as most cars come equipped with a navigation system and now internet connectivity.
The one area we haven’t yet seen a lot of it designer brands entering the car marketplace. Whilst a lot of brands have moved further away from their traditional markets, Emporio Armani watches for example, but we have yet to see a full-blown designer vehicle. Surely the first Versace-mobile cant be far away, and packed with tech it would surely be a hit!