As always the International Auto Show at COBO Center was very impressive. The Ford and Lincoln Display was great.
The beautiful 2017 Fusion was demonstrated without a top – ideally suited to add panoramic roof with energy harvesting solar panels. The energy harvested can be used to vent the interior when car is standing in hot and humid environment.
The innovation and applications in interior HMI Devices were limited, and do not seem to match the innovations and developments demonstrated at CES and other international innovation shows. This is especially true for displays. Most displays in center stack infotainment systems, while beautiful, do not come close to mimicking consumer industry innovations.
Examples of potential displays for infotainment and other systems best demonstrated by Sharp and others as below.
As regards rear seat entertainment and ride comfort there still seems to be limited efforts with the exception of Audi and Mercedes.
For large families as well as car owners in markets like India and China rear seat comfort and convenience is very important.
As regards Center Stack Infotainment systems the potential for driver distraction exists with displays and input located below driver’s road vision. Difficult to understand why all displays are not high mount which allows drivers greater on road visibility, in Mercedes, Audi and other EU OE cars.
There are great opportunities for improvements in switch and input controls. Many switch controls still do not reflect 2016 technology. An example from Faurecia and others that are reflective of WOW’ innovation is shown below.
Even some basic quality improvements can easily reflect quality and harmony for in car HMI switch applications.
HMI technology application in input devices with high finish Class A materials is the key to feature enhanced HMI Devices that enhance in car experience.
Over Head Console designs as shown below are good and help enhance vehicle interiors. Coupled with interiors OVH Console like the Ford OVH Console does enhance the feature.
However it still does not create the WOW affect like the Yanfeng Automotive innovative overhead slim overhead console designed to improve comfort and spaciousness.
There are many other opportunities for improvements in vehicle interiors and exteriors that would greatly enhance driver and passenger in car experience.
Few features that can be improved through technology innovation and greatly enhance in car experience are listed below:
- Map Pocket.
- Dome Lights.
- Front / Rear Mats.
- Illuminated Retractable / Other Running Boards.
- Rear Seat Vanity Mirror.
- Sun visor.
- Key Off interior climate control through energy harvesting.
- Cup Holders / Wireless Charging.
- In car Natural Light.
- Interconnectivity
- Health & Wellness Attributes.
- High Quality Trim Seats Designed For Comfort & Features.
A few examples of technology innovations where Lessons learned can be applied to enhance automotive components are shown below:
