Every year vehicle manufacturers must think up new and
interesting features to help sell more vehicles. Some of the trends for
2014 seem as though they're out of science fiction novels.
1. Automated vehicle functions
A
car that steers away from a potential collision is becoming a reality
with today's vehicles. Many vehicles already feature automated parallel
parking for drivers who never mastered that feat in driver's education
classes. New cars will start to offer additional automated driving
features very soon. Industry-watchers believe completely automated
vehicles will arrive by 2025. Students looking at automotive careers
will notice that today's vehicles are complex and computer-filled, which
has created a high demand for mechanics who can work with these
computerized systems.
2. Hybrids take over the market
Hybrid
vehicles are no longer a novelty and are all over the roads. Although
fully electric vehicles still evoke a sense of wonder, every major
vehicle manufacturer offers a hybrid version of at least one model.
Manufacturers are even expanding upon their hybrid offerings by creating
different trim levels like wagon and budget options. Experiencing
astronomical MPG with a hybrid vehicle will soon be the norm instead of
the exception.
3. In-car entertainment goes into overdrive
Partnerships
between major computer hardware manufacturers and vehicle makers may
herald a new phase of in-car entertainment systems. These technological
partnerships could bring much greater computer functionality to
vehicles. Drivers may soon experience total connectivity and symbiosis
of a driver's cell phone with the vehicle's entertainment and functions.
Vehicles will be so advanced that they'll seem like a giant smartphone
with wheels.
4. Micro-minis get popular
The
world has seen a virtual invasion of micro-mini vehicles that offer
tremendous gas mileage through small, efficient engines and diesel
technology. Those small vehicles will soon be everywhere as fuel economy
rules start to tighten because of federal regulations. Drivers should
expect to see luxury car brands start introducing vehicles that are
small, luxurious, and efficient.
5. Tiny engines and huge power
One
of the striking differences of the engines of tomorrow versus those in
use today is that vehicles are going to be able to operate with much
smaller engines yet provide more horsepower. In addition to creating
engines that are smaller in size, engines that will soon be in use will
even use fewer cylinders to create the same level of power. For example,
one major luxury car brand is hard at work on a V-6 that will offer
more power than a V-8, despite its smaller size.
Although most of
these trends are still in developmental phases, advanced technology and
computers are certainly one of the most important facets of the career
of an automotive technician.
The old days of working on a car in a garage without all sorts of
calibration equipment are long gone, and computers are definitely one of
the most important elements of modern vehicles.
