The automotive industry is currently experiencing a period of rapid growth. In fact, when it comes to new technology, the motoring industry is thriving. We’ve come a long way since the introduction of the first vehicle in 1886, and in 2019, high-end tech gadgets are everywhere. Sat-navs, electric windows, and even heated seats can be found in many of our favourite vehicles, but here with Aston Martin Db11 dealership Grange, we explore some of the key advancements in luxury automotive technology throughout the years.
Electric vehicles
Switching to a different type of fuel has to be one of the biggest changes in automotive history. At the turn of the millennium, hybrid electric vehicles began to be mass-produced. While there are obvious challenges ahead, they are set to change the car industry forever. This is because electric vehicles are becoming more and more prominent. They may be a concept that has been around for over 100 years, but with the government set to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2020, we are beginning to notice a shift toward the no-emission electric vehicles. This ban, alongside the likes of London’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone, mean that owning an electric vehicle can help both the environment and your bank balance!
Power steering
Power steering may come as a given these days, but back in the 90’s, not every car featured this. Back in the ‘50s, more cars in the post-War era were able to turn with the help of hydraulics. By the turn of the decade, entering the swinging ‘60s, one in four cars had power steering.
Autonomous features
We may still be a few years away from truly autonomous driving, but significant progress is still being made. In today’s modern cars, while not becoming fully autonomous, they are starting to become automated. Referring back to Cadillac, their Super Cruise system can pilot vehicles up to 85 miles per hour, so drivers don’t even have to be holding the wheel. Tesla are also using this technology, while more high-end manufacturers are expected to introduce this in the coming years.
Of course, this isn’t to say that the driver can switch off. There are sensors included to ensure that if the technology fails, the driver is paying attention to the road ahead and ready to intervene. This technology is expected to be a game changer for those who spend a lot of time on the highways or sitting in traffic. In the rare event that your car technology does fail, you may also want to think about investing in inspection lighting so that you can quickly identify the problem.
All-electric
Starting your car engine used to be a risky process before 1911. A year earlier, a motorist was actually killed due to the cranks that used to fire up the engine. However, the electric ignition and self-starters eliminated this deadly risk. One of the first models to incorporate the concept was the Cadillac. Its founder, Henry M Leland, had already pioneered electric lights and ignitions and worked closely with Charles F. Kettering, the inventor of the electric starter, to incorporate the device into his cars.
