Media post: Top 9 Car Tech Trends for 2020

Car and tech lovers rejoice – 2020 is looking to be a very exciting year for new developments and innovations in the automotive industry.

Thanks to the arrival of new technologies across the board such as Big Data, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and 5G, as well as automotive-specific developments, you can expect an entirely new and improved driving experience. From predictive maintenance to personalized driving experiences, to the use of biometrics, to on-demand detailing apps, keep reading to discover the top nine car tech trends that are set to revolutionize the industry.

Remember, you heard it here first!

1.   Personalized insurance packages

If you are fed up with high insurance quotes and feel that as you are a skilled driver, you should enjoy lower rates, then this trend could make your day. This year, you can expect to see a lot more usage-based insurance deals hitting the market due to the rise in sensors in modern cars that can monitor and record your driving behaviors. Be warned though, if you drive recklessly, you will be penalized.

2.   Biometrics

Have you checked out the Mercedes Benz Vision AVTR Avatar-inspired concept car yet? This futuristic design is a sight to behold, but sadly it will not be sitting on your driveway anytime soon. However, you may see some of the tech involved in this creation in more mainstream cars sooner than you think. Biometrics can be used to detect the pulse of the driver and their breathing patterns. This new tech will help ensure that drivers are paying attention to the roads, as well as optimize safety systems if a collision does occur.

3.   On-demand detailing apps

Compared to the rest of the automotive industry, the car detailing sector has always been a few steps behind. That being said, the demand for car detailing has never been higher, with 72% of U.S car owners having their vehicle professionally washed.

In 2020, you can expect to see an increase in on-demand mobile detailing apps, so that car owners can book their vehicles in for a detailing service whilst they are on the go. At www.carpro.global, they use nanotechnology to provide the highest quality detailing, including oil residue removal, water spot removal, interior coatings, ceramic coatings, and paint rejuvenation.

4.   Electric cars

Electric cars are set to evolve in 2020 due to the world’s increased concerns about pollution and climate change. This has led to manufacturers having to work extremely hard to keep up with the latest strict emission rules.

Some of the best electric vehicles being released in 2020 include:

• Volkswagen ID.3 (with the 4 to be revealed soon)
• Tesla Model Y
• BMW iX3
• Mercedes- Benz EQC
• Volvo XC40 Electric
• Audi E-Tron
• Jaguar I-Pace
• Nissan Leaf

5.   Personalized driving experience

Thanks to the amazing technology that is Artificial Intelligence, your driving experience is set to become a lot more specific and personalized. Picture a car that could predict your temperament and alert you if you become sleepy or distracted. Think about how many accidents and collisions could be prevented with this type of software.

Furthermore, your car could soon modify itself to fit your individual requirements, such as adjusting your seat, mirror, air conditioning, and even your radio for you. Comfort and safety solved with the power of AI.

6.   Predictive maintenance

With the help of The Internet of Things and the Cloud, cars are now able to access and analyze vast amounts of data that can enable them to inform you when they have a maintenance issue that needs addressing. For example, they can predict engine failure, faulty brakes, and even if a taillight is about to burn out.

Benefits of predictive maintenance include:

• Lower maintenance costs
• Extended equipment life
• Reduced downtime

7.   Increased connectivity

Consumers have been enjoying the benefits of being able to connect at home, at work and when out and about on their mobile phones for some time now, so why shouldn’t they also be able to connect when in their car? Of course, car equipped Wi-Fi is nothing new, but in 2020, you can expect to see this feature become the standard rather than an upgrade. This is good news for drivers who want to access their Spotify songs or passengers who want to stream a movie.

8.   Self-driving cars

Arguably the car tech trend that drivers have been longing for the most, self-driving cars were thought to only exist in the distant future, but it looks like the future is going to be here a lot sooner than you might have thought. Due to the emergence of technologies such as Bluetooth, 5G, GPS, and Artificial Intelligence, self-driving vehicles are set to be seen on our roads within the next few years.

GM’s Cruise has just unveiled its first driverless vehicle, which was developed by Honda and has no steering wheel or pedals. However, it has yet to be approved for road usage, and vigorous testing still needs to be carried out before (or if) it becomes available.

The benefits of self-driving cars include:

• Increased road safety
• Greater independence for people with disabilities
• Lower insurance rates
• More productivity – people can read and reply to emails whilst traveling as well, as their vehicles being able to park themselves
• Reduced congestion
• Reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions

9.   Cars as mobile payment systems

In today’s society where time is precious, and any unneeded effort is met with disdain, having to use your mobile phone to pay for everyday items such as fuel and food when you are in your car can be annoying.

Thankfully, you won’t have to suffer this inconvenience for much longer with the much-anticipated arrival of in-dash ordering and automated payment systems. Using your car’s voice command tool or infotainment display, you will be able to pay for things like parking, fuel and tolls instantly. Set to become available in major metropolitan areas first, you may have to wait a little bit longer to use this service at your local gas station if you live in a more rural area.

With more and more exciting developments in the automotive industry being created and perfected each day, the future of cars knows no bounds, so expect the unexpected. Watch this space for more of the latest car tech trends as well as hot off the press info on all your favorite cars.