Shifting Gears

Latest trends in the automotive industry

The automotive industry seems to be thriving at the pinnacle of growth in popularity confronted with what could be the grandest transformation ever witnessed. These revolutionary breakthroughs are decisive facets of a digitally-enabled integration of social, industrial and technological forces that are due to kindle an eruption of innovation within the universal automotive arena. The sheer capacity and complexity of the industry has the power to impact and influence the progress of humanity in the future.

Technology-driven tendencies revolutionize the approaches adapted by automotive industrial players to react to changing and evolving customer behaviours. Increased competition within the industry gave birth to the need for proficient research and development in order to give each brand a competitive edge. Results of such have instigated unique trends that the market tends to imitate and exploit by launching signature products incorporating the discovered breakthrough technologies.

AUTONOMOUS DRIVING AND CONNECTED VEHICLES

As an emerging technology, automation has the credentials to resolve clamant transportation complications. Digitalized, automated driving systems can direct cars in the same lane within exceptionally close proximity to lessen congestions.manufacturers opt to launch eco-friendly versions of these products designed to emit bare minimal pollutants compared to conventional vehicles. Wireless inter-vehicle communication systems plays an important role in preventing mid route collisions. Vehicles connected through wireless systems enable users to share details regarding aspects such as braking, speed and weather conditions. Consequentially, topics like car sensors, vehicle transmissions and wireless communications have lit up the arena with heated arguments and debates.

The question that the public wants answered is ‘when will the automated, interconnected systems’ be made available for users? The hardware is mostly completed to begin with. Radars are affordable, sturdy and powerful enough to be incorporated into mass-market cars. Cameras and the artificial intelligence that converts 2D images into data readable by computerized systems have made revolutionary progress. Laser-shooting lidar is somewhat expensive but a handful of startups and major brands are discovering means to mitigate costs. The discovery of the use of photons as a way to detect speed of elements in the immediate vicinity is a major achievement. Chipmakers like Intel, Nvidia and Qualcomm are attempting to cut down power requirements for these sophisticated super computers while high ended luxury brands like Tesla prefer to manufacture their own signature chips.

The challenge is to upgrade the software that interprets sensor data in order to ensure smooth navigation. Key focus point is the perception of the system; the capacity to differentiate an inanimate object from a living being. Machine learning requires a combination of artificial intelligence mixed with real life examples to instruct the system. That is the reasoning behind the investment of a billion dollar investment into the artificial intelligence outfit Argo AL by Ford, the acquisition of the startup Cruise by General Motors and the 10 million autonomous miles driven on public roads by Waymo. Identification of the person alone is insufficient. The system should have the capacity to anticipate actions and responses as well.

Cadillac Super Cruise, Nissan Pro Pilot Assist and Tesla Autopilot ensure smooth navigation on the allocated lane with a safe distance from other vehicles. November 2018 saw the debut of Tesla’s new feature Navigate on Autopilot which enables its products (including those on the road as a result of the over-the-air update) the ability to overtake drivers with slow pace and exit highways wherever convenient. However, the driver is expected to remain vigilant at all times and is expected to take manual control if needed. These systems are not fully proficient since further upgrades are necessary.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

There was a time where electric cars were viewed as compact commuters or deft overpriced luxury models. Thereafter, the industry faced a paradigm shift, where EV vehicles rose in popularity within a short period of time. It was predicted that electric cars is the next disruptive market force for transportation and technology. The technology has the probability to revolutionize energy utility, generation and redirection. Its advent has led the society to comprehend the urgency to seek alternate energy sources that can positively affect both the environment and the society.

EVS are 75% efficient in the process of converting input energy into kinetic energy in relation to the 25% efficiency achieved through normal gas fueled vehicles with internal combustion engines. Due to the absence of natural fossil fuel as an agent of energy, the emission of harmful greenhouse pollutants is minimum or virtually non-existent. This is achieved through the exclusion of the exhaustion pipe which promotes sustainable mobility. Less emission provides the luxuries of environmental protection and sustainability and better public health.

While EVS may seem expensive than gas cars, they are a better investment for the long term. A main reason is the reasonable maintenance costs, which is considerably cheaper than an average vehicle. Since the automobile is powered by a battery and electric motors, the machine parts that have a potential to break or damage is relatively less. Additionally, the EV lacks an engine, therefore the need for constant changes of oil and filter is redundant. A base model like Tesla Model 3 has an EPA rated range of 220 miles. Its battery has a capacity of 50kwh. The cost to fully charge this EV is expected to be $5.50. In comparison, the cost to fuel EVS are relatively cheaper than the rest.

Apart from renowned brands like Tesla, what are the EVS that the public should look out for? Hyundai’s latest compact crossover the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is perhaps one of the most convenient options available in the market at present. The fiveseater SUV Audi E-tron introduced this year has incorporated some of the more audacious in-dash systems in the market. The vim and vigor emitted by the BMW i8 Roadster 2019 supercar outclasses its 2013 version by a landslide. The Nissan Leaf Plus can run 226 miles from a single charge, with a horsepower of 214.It is evident that the market is no longer facing a shortage in the eco-friendly EVS since newer and improved versions keep making entry each year.

BLOCKCHAIN

The perfection of automation is yet to be fully achieved, despite efforts made. A major conundrum faced is the question whether the vehicle has the capacity to process the bulk of the information required to safely navigate through streets and highways along with the rapid fire resourcefulness that is expected to decipher the information into responsive and responsible monitoring. Blockchain ensures a platform for verification and safe transfer of data between owners, researchers, manufacturers and all other interested parties.

The use of Blockchain is significant, since only verified and permitted entities have the privilege to access the information that is shared. The technology has the potential to streamline complex processes of transferring ownership of assets (including cars) from seller to buyer. Existing paper based processes are digitalized which eliminates the need for legal procedures like authentication, witnessing and validation; all of which could be achieved on the Blockchain platform. Enhanced versions can be incorporated directly to the car where the technology can track the movement from the point of manufacture until the point of disposal. A Blockchain database is currently in the making by a company called Bigchaindb, dubbed as Carpass. The database centralizes all relevant details of a car (ranging from the title of ownership, service providers, prior damage, and maintenance to inspection history) in a database that is immune to fraud.

3D PRINTING

3D printing was primarily used to create to prototypes to test functionality during the bygone decades. The inaugural technology for the construction of machine parts came through selective laser sintering or binder jetting. Aesthetically pleasant parts were duly manufactured, but however these parts lacked durability and had low utility. Times have evolved since then, and more robust technologies have come to fruition. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is a breakthrough discovery that allows the print of both prototypes and end-user parts.

3D printing is a game changing weapon for the automotive industry. The Global Automotive Outlook 2017 estimated that the industry is set to achieve 114 million sales annually by 2024. The market has significant barriers for entry since it is mostly dominated by a few OEMS. The spare parts and accessories market however is completely different. There is a mix between large scale and smaller scale players competing to receive a competitive advantage. Thereby it is anticipated that this market shall earn around US$17 Bn by the end of 2025. Furthermore according to ‘Machine Design’ the consumption of 3D printing materials by the automotive industry will reach $530 million by 2021.Therefore the use of 3D printing can minimize unnecessary costs once the technology is perfected.