As the auto industry
continue to evolve, we can note a significant change in the direction
in which auto makers are developing new vehicles. It would appear as
if over the last decade or two the favored trend seemed to be found
in the bigger, faster vehicles. However, over the past few years it's
not hard to observe the notable change in the way these vehicles are
being developed. With the scare of global warming knocking at our
door, auto manufacturers have answered by beginning to develop a new
line of vehicles which are much more environmentally friendly. There
have been a variety of ways in which this task has been executed.
Perhaps the most obvious
ways are found in the increasing popularity in using electric or
hybrid cars. Electric cars are completely electric. Before they can
be driven, they must be plugged in and charged. Also, the distance
they can drive, or their Range, is determined by the charge. Hybrid
cars have a wider range due to the fact that they use a combination
of gasoline as well as electric power. This has enabled these
vehicles to be partially electric and much more fuel efficient.
Certain hybrids have even been further developed to the point where
they're able to run completely off of electric power, switching to
gasoline only in the case of an emergency.
Another way auto
manufacturers have been attacking this problem is by creating
regular, gas powered vehicles that are more fuel efficient than their
predecessors. When the economy took a dive and America's auto
industry nearly went under, the Government implemented a program to
help stimulate the industry while replacing old gas guzzling vehicles
with newer, more fuel efficient choices. The CARS or
“cash-for-clunkers” program, took approximately 690,114 vehicles
off of the road, including around 450,700 SUV's. For the most part,
these vehicles when traded in would provide an approximated $4000
rebate towards a new eco-friendly option.
One concept which emerged
some time ago was the development of smaller vehicles. The idea here
is the smaller the car, the more ability it has to be fuel efficient.
The main concern with these smaller vehicles for most is that people
consider them to be like “driving in coffins”; meaning if anyone
was to ever get into an accident in one, they would surely be
injured, especially against an SUV of some sort. One Italian auto
company known as Pininfarina has been developing a vehicle known as
none-other-than “Nido.” The Nido's design is truly one of a kind.
The idea is to bring “real-world impact safety to smaller
vehicles.” The main design of the Nido would be appear to be egg
shaped. The vehicle is able to isolate the driver/passenger within a
safety cage which can provide roll and crush resistance. Though the
Nido is still considered a “Concept Car”, the technology is
promising. Theoretically if the car was in some sort of accident, the
Nido's design will help reduce the risk of organ bruising, whiplash,
and other severe injuries such as concussions.
These smaller cars will
more than likely be increasing in production across the globe in the
coming years. They seem to adapt well to newer technologies ranging
from iPod compatibility, to built in navigation, as well as devices
such as interlock ignition devices – a device used by those who
have been charged with drinking and driving to ensure the individual
is not under the influence at the time they are attempting to operate
their vehicle. Other branches such as the auto transport industry as
well as auto manufacturers will also be affected by the new age
technology as procedures and other policies may change the face of
the industry as we know it.