The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was once an event dominated by the likes of smartphone and games console makers.
But as car manufacturers strive to become more tech-focused brands, more of the car industry (and some from beyond) are showcasing their automotive innovations here.
Here are six of the best from CES 2020….
Toyota city
While you might be expecting a host of new cars to be unveiled, CES is a little bit different – it’s more of an innovation exercise.
So, rather than unveil a new SUV in Las Vegas (where the show is held), Toyota did things a bit differently – announcing that it would build a new prototype ‘city of the future’, which will be known as the Woven City. It might sound bizarre, but Toyota says this will be a perfect way of testing and developing autonomous technologies, as well as exploring personal mobility and how vehicles integrate in day-to-day lives.
Mercedes-Benz and Avatar
Back to something slightly more ‘normal’ with Mercedes-Benz – the Vision AVTR. While looking slightly more car-like, this isn’t a model destined for production – rather a design mash-up between the German manufacturer and the blockbuster film franchise Avatar.
While things like ‘bionic flaps’ that aim to integrate into the environment might seem a bit far-fetched, other pieces of tech like new batteries that are free of rare earth metals are interesting innovations that could be implemented onto future EVs.
Sony Vision-S
Sony might be known best for its cameras and TVs, but this tech giant has a whole lot more to show than that.
It was quite the shock at CES when the firm unveiled the Vision-S – a Tesla-like saloon that looks ready to arrive in showrooms. However, this electric and autonomous concept isn’t destined for the road – rather it’s a showcase for some of the leading safety and connected technology that Sony is developing. It hopes manufacturers will want to buy and integrate some of its innovations onto their new cars.
Hyundai Smart Mobility Solution
In a bid to distance itself from being a car manufacturer to a ‘smart mobility solution provider’, Hyundai showcased its three-part mobility concept.
It consists of an aircraft that lands and takes off vertically that aims to ease congestion, which then lands at a hub where purpose-built autonomous vehicles could then transport people to an end destination. It’s all part of the South Korean company’s bid to investigate future mobility solutions.
Land Rover Defender
In a first on this list, here is some real-world technology that’s ready to go in Land Rover’s all-new Defender, which goes on sale later this show.
While not being as bold or ambitious as the rest on this list, Land Rover’s dual-eSim feature is ready for production. Essentially, this sim allows for the car to be able to wirelessly update on the move, while still being able to stream, download and play music or audio at the same time.
BMW
One of the highlights on BMW's stand was the i3 Urban Suite concept – an adapted version of the firm's popular EV that is all tailored around the passenger's needs.
BMW transformed 20 of these cars' interiors, with an aim to create a boutique-like hotel from the cabin. Visitors to CES could then summon these cars from around Las Vegas using a dedicated app.
