Futuristic Technology Trends in Automobile Industry

Technology, for cars or for any other automated innovations, is a constantly evolving concept. No two consecutive years ever see one single car technology trend doing the rounds in the automobile industry. There is always something new coming up in the form of an auto model. Be it a car, motorbike or any other vehicle, car enthusiasts always have something new to revel at.


Recently, a lot of happenings in the car technology arena have kept the global auto market abuzz. Digital technology has largely taken over the automotive industry. With each auto model year, vehicle manufacturers are coming up with more sophisticated digital systems addressing vehicle safety, infotainment, and telematics. Computer in various forms is becoming an integral part of a motor body. You find them almost everywhere- inside the passenger cabin, or under the hood of a car or any other vehicle. No wonder, automobiles today are increasingly being recognized as modern “computers on wheels.”

Following are the four major areas where automotive technology is making great progress:

• Powertrain and Safety: Engine Management, Power Steering, Electronic Suspension, Braking Systems etc.
• Vehicle Controls and Comfort/Convenience: Dashboard/Instrument Cluster, Security Alarm Systems, Climate Control etc.
• Driver Assistance: Heads Up Display, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning etc.
• Communication and Infotainment: Audio Systems, Telematics, Navigation/GPS, Games Consoles etc.

PLD: A Major Technology Trend in Automobile Industry

PLDs or Programmable logic devices are a power alternative to the silicon technology based semiconductors ASIC and ASSP. There was a time when these were the preferred semiconductor options, but now, car manufacturers in the global automobile industry are opting for more powerful yet cost-effective car design platforms to meet the growing networking needs of their increasingly complex car digital systems.

“Platform” concept: A Landmark Technology Trend in Automotive Industry

“Platform” concept is the newest thing in the evolutionary history of automotive designing. In this concept, one basic design is used for car model differentiation. The concept is further gaining popularity due to increase in the trend of converging data, audio and video in a single automotive space.

Increased Demand for Digital Content in Automobile Industry

On-board motor digital content such as rear seat entertainment systems, navigation systems, and driver assistance applications are no more add-ons in a car model. They are now considered mainstream products in automobile industry.

Quality- The Mainstay in Automobile Industry

Motivated by the enhanced use of high definition, wireless communication in cars and vehicles, system OEMs and automakers in the global automobile industry are increasingly opting for cutting-edge technology driven semiconductor devices.

All these technology progress in the automobile industry has significantly brought down the automotive design cycle from 60 months to approximately 24 to 36 months. This is further going to expedite the innovation of automotive technology in the years to come.