The incorporation of advanced technology was found in only high-end cars, unlike features like voice recognition and navigation options are now introduced within the entry-level cars. Ford Figo, considered as the people's car in India, was introduced with the advancements like voice recognition, which enables the driver to make an outgoing call while driving. This technology also assists drivers to access address book and call logs with the help of bluetooth.
Ford has also assimilated this technology with its other models, such as Fiesta and Endeavour. Endeavour is a gigantic car, placed in the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment of the Indian auto industry, which is provided with smart technologies like rapid deceleration warning and distance to empty meter. In addition to these features, the car also includes advancements like speed sensing volume control that automatically checks the audio volume with respect to the engine revolutions per minute (rpm), in order to control noise at high speeds.
Ford Endeavour also houses a SATNAV system that automatically shifts the car's camera into reverse parking mode to help the driver focus on-road when moving in reverse direction. The voice control system in the Fiesta can dial important numbers and can also adjust the pace of audio volume and air conditioning system. This advanced technology can also select individual’s favourite music from their ipod.
Ford is not the only car maker in market, which has introduced world-class technology in its entry-level cars. Hyundai recently introduced a unique headlight control system in its upgraded model of i20, which controls headlights and switches them on/off according to visibility conditions for offering a safe drive. The rain sensing wipers are also equipped within the car, which operates automatically. In case the driver panics and applies brakes suddenly, the smart pedal feature overrides the accelerator to ensure safety. Hyundai has also provided smart key technology in its i20, Verna and Sonata models that enables keyless ignition and remote opening of the doors.
This technology was first introduced by Nissan in Micra, which enables igniting the engine with single touch of a button. Hyundai's Sonata boasts of seat warmers and seat ventilators to improve passenger comfort along with integrated air circulation to control moisture level between body and the seat at both the rows. It also comes with 10-way electronically adjustable seats to enhance driving positions and providing a suitable posture to the driver.
As per the estimates made by industry experts, 25-30% of manufacturing cost is spent in electronics and technologies in the cars. More then 90% of such add-ons are IT based. This revelation made Ford to initiate “Open XC” programme, to promote the cross functional innovation worldwide wherein the technology can be added to the vehicle sans extra hardware. Started in San Francisco, the programme invites open source software from the developers all over the world.
A member of technical advisory board of Ford Motor Company, Mr. Venkatesh Prasad, quoted that a car comprises of built in, brought in and beamed in elements. Life cycle of beamed in elements ranges between 3-6 months because improvement in technology is moving on a faster pace and they don't want to add anything which is outdated and is not absolutely necessary. Ford is working on applications for the drivers to be able to message peers when stuck in traffic and monitor the glucose level. He hopes that with the increase usage of these technologies, the cost may come down.
General Motors is working on a Super cruise Technology in its 2013 XTS and ATS Cadillac sedans, reinforcing the introduction of self driving technology in vehicles. It uses sensors to detect hurdles and can automatically brake cars on highways. The built in cameras in these sedans detects lane marks on the highway and allow the automatic steering. With this, the Cadillacs can drive freely for long hours on highways amidst stop/go traffic.
