ANAHEIM, Calif. – (September 2009) Come see the latest innovations in automotive technology at the OC Auto Show, Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
This annual automotive extravaganza will feature hundreds of the hottest new vehicles, specialty cars, entertainment and more, as well preview the latest automotive technology that makes cars safer, more comfortable and even more fun to drive, for all budget levels.
“Advancements in automotive technology have brought unheard of possibilities to the transportation industry and to the products themselves,” said Matt Stone, Motor Trend executive editor. “Besides the infotainment value that can make the Point A to B experience more enjoyable, tech breakthroughs help make today’s cars the best in history. These modern vehicles are better performing, yet easier on fuel. They’re safer, yet more fun to drive. They last longer and are kinder to the environment. Technology makes all this happen.”
In-Car Internet
Now, while inside a car, weather, navigation, show times, email and even gaming are just a click away. BMW, Cadillac and Chrysler are among a growing list of manufacturers integrating built-in WiFi into vehicles. Passengers can surf the web from their laptops while the car is moving and drivers can access the Web from the navigation screen while the vehicle is parked.
Collision Avoidance
Imagine a vehicle that can monitor the distance and speed of approaching objects to predict accidents before they occur. Available in several new models including the 2010 Volvo XC60, this sophisticated system can detect when the driver is not applying the brake quickly enough and provides visible and audible warnings. If the driver does not respond, the collision avoidance system will automatically apply the brakes to minimize damage.
Night Vision
With the help of night vision cameras, drivers can see more clearly in the dark. Systems are available from a variety of manufacturers including Acura and Cadillac. Equipped with cameras that project the image at eye level on the windshield, drivers are able to see much further than with normal headlamps.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, BMW, Volvo and more have equipped their newest models with blind spot monitoring systems. Using radar and cameras to spot vehicles, they monitor the vehicle’s blind spots and alert the driver when it is not safe to merge, which is especially helpful on larger vehicles.
Solar Paneled Roof
To create even greener cars, the 2010 Toyota Prius, Fisker Karma and 2010 Audi A8 feature rooftop solar panels. The Karma’s roof panel uses the sun’s rays to charge the battery, and the solar panels on the Prius and Audi power ventilation fans keep the interior cool.
Self-Healing Paint
Infiniti has made nicks and scratches a thing of the past. By using a clear polyurethane coating over regular car paint, marks disappear within one week. Activated by UV rays, the coating stretches across the scratch, effectively covering it. The material works in any climate and is not moisture sensitive, allowing it to be used globally.
Streaming Bluetooth™ Audio
USB ports in vehicles may disappear, not long after arriving. Music enthusiasts can now listen to their MP3 player through Bluetooth. Already available in several Toyota and Subaru models, streaming Bluetooth audio offers the ability to play stored MP3s without wires. This capability will be available on the iPhone by Summer 2010 and any MP3 player is easily equipped for streaming with an adapter.
Parking Assist
Ideal for drivers who struggle with parallel parking, sensors can maneuver the vehicle into a parking spot, all with the push of a button. No longer just available on luxury brands like BMW and Lexus, manufacturers including Ford and Toyota are also offering this feature.
Head-Up Displays
Originally developed for military applications, head-up displays (HUDs) are becoming popular in automobiles. Available from BMW, Lexus, General Motors, Nissan and others, the HUD projects the speedometer, tachometer and navigation displays onto the windshield. This easy-to-see display helps drivers keep their eyes on the road.
MyKey™
Standard on the 2010 Ford Focus coupe, MyKey allows parents to program a special key that limits vehicle speed and stereo volume. Developed to encourage teens to drive more safely and to improve fuel economy, the system also features a seat belt reminder chime and mutes the radio until the belt is fastened.
The OC Auto Show is owned and presented by the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association and the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, LLC. The auto show will be open to the public Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, at the Anaheim Convention Center, located at 800 W. Katella Avenue in Anaheim. Show hours are Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for senior citizens (62 and older), $5 for students (with ID) and free for children 12 and younger when accompanied by an adult. Attendees will receive a FREE one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine with each online ticket order or box office purchase, compliments of the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association and the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association. Advance E-tickets can be purchased at a $2 discount and weekday discount coupons can be downloaded from the official auto show Web site, www.OrangeCountyAutoShow.com.
Please note: All of this technology may or may not be featured in models displayed at the auto show. Please visit the manufacturer exhibits for more information.
Press release via Spin Communication/Motor Trend Auto Show
That hits the target dead cnteer! Great answer!
tech seems the best way to get consumers to buy. well, except C4C prog, of course!
Very nice…I can almost guarantee that I will be present at this Auto Show. Learning more about the technology is a plus for me.