At the CES event in Las Vegas this week, automakers showcased their latest innovations for in-vehicle experiences. Hyundai Mobis introduced a holographic technology for windshields, BMW featured its new “iDrive” panoramic display, and Honda and Sony Honda Mobility revealed upcoming enhancements for electric vehicles.
These advancements are designed to enhance comfort and create a more engaging driving environment. For example, Hyundai Mobis’ holographic windshield display projects driving information and entertainment options, tailored for different passengers to enjoy. This technology aims to provide key information within the driver’s line of sight while minimizing distractions inside the car.
BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system, set to be included in new models later this year, offers a customizable display controlled by touch and voice commands. Sony Honda Mobility showcased the “Afeela 1” EV, featuring an interactive AI voice agent for entertainment and useful information during drives.
Honda also introduced “ultra-personal optimization” for its upcoming electric vehicle series, incorporating an integrated operating system for various vehicle functions and infotainment. These advancements in in-vehicle technology aim to provide a more enjoyable and convenient driving experience for consumers.
“The more personalized it will become,” stated Katsushi Inoue, global head of electrification business development at Honda, in remarks made on Tuesday. Amid the abundant excitement surrounding the latest technological advancements announced by car manufacturers at events like CES this week, there are also pertinent questions arising about the saturation of new features within vehicles.
“It’s definitely easy to get a little bit overwhelmed by the amount of technology in cars … especially when you have cars that have three, four, five (or) six different touchscreens that offer different interfaces,” noted Tim Stevens, an automotive analyst and freelance journalist who attended CES this week. However, Stevens also highlighted the potential of technology integration, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence (AI), such as the utilization of in-car voice assistants. By enabling users to engage in conversation with their vehicles for tasks like requesting detailed directions or restaurant recommendations, distractions like reaching for a phone can be minimized.
Aside from enhancing in-vehicle experiences, the electric vehicles (EVs) showcased at CES this week have underscored the current state of sustainable energy within the automotive industry and emphasized the necessity to broaden access to energy sources for consumers. In conjunction with a previously-disclosed collaboration with seven other automakers to establish the “IONNA” charging network in North America, Honda announced on Tuesday its intentions to further expand such initiatives to ensure that Honda 0 Series owners will have access to over 100,000 charging stations by 2030.
Additionally, Honda is exploring avenues to deliver “personalized” charging experiences for its EV customers in the future. The company is contemplating the integration of AI technology from Amazon Web Services to assist individuals in locating nearby charging facilities and simplifying payment processes.
AP Video Journalist Cassandra Allwood contributed to this report from Las Vegas.
