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The Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) is a dealer show, hosted by the Detroit Auto Dealer Association (DADA), similar to the Washington Auto Dealer Association Show that I will attend next week.
As electronics and technology have become an integral part of the car, we have seen the Consumer Electronics show (CES) become more of the first auto show of the year.
This year is a pivotal year, a year I have dubbed Evolving Mobility. As auto shows are evolving, so are the people that are attending the press days, and so are the discussions.
Continental AG created a website that all are allowed to join, 2025ad.com. The website welcomes a discussion about automated driving by 2025.
Other discussions revolved around the evolving mobility of
* How you drive a car
* Safety ratings
* Secretary Foxx, Department of Transportation, attended both the CES and Detroit Auto Show to talk about NHTSA’s New car assessment program (NCAP). Almost every car nowadays gets a five-star rating. How does NHTSA rate the new technology that will inevitably be part of the autonomous vehicles?
For instance, Jennifer Schefczik, Mercedes-Benz E-Class product manager, showed us the new safety features that will move occupants in the car to the center of the car, away from the impact zone.
Starting in the E-Class and moving to other vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has created a device that mitigates the noise of the crash, possibly saving stye occupants hearing during an accident. Shouldn’t NHTSA award Mercedes-Benz a better rating for those safety items. This is being discussed by NHTSA now.
Evolving mobility includes;
* How do you own a car?
– if you own a car do you own it,
own versus leasing
own versus car-sharing
own versus co-own
How do dealers/manufacturers sell cars, especially to millennials?
Michael Andretti’s sponsor, Amlin Insurance company, is asking questions about autonomous vehicles and how insurance companies fit in.
How do you evolve the mindset of the buyer, driver, today for the future driving of tomorrow?
The last concern is not just evolving mobility of the car, but the evolving functions the vehicle is being asked to accomplish.
All great discussions from the Detroit Auto show.
