I was recently in attendance at a classic car show. Hosted in the majestic and massive gardens and grounds of an English manor house, the event was decorated with glorious examples of cars from years gone by. From the salubrious, leather-upholstered two-seat Jaguar e-Types to the ageless Aston Martins, the classic Mustangs to the timeless Pontiac Firebirds, it was a joy to learn about and look at these fine examples of automobiles that have stood the test of time. In the ever-changing and ultra-competitive world of automobiles, however, these historic motors are now a far cry from what we see and drive today.
Of course, there is still an elegance to be found in many vehicles, from the Aston Martins that set the standards to the Jaguars and Cadillacs that continue to make class and style their guiding lights. But cars are now made with much more than that in mind, so much more. Details, personalization, and enhancements such as thoughtfully chosen German car accessories, now play a role in how drivers connect with and express their vehicles. In turn, this has created an industry out of an industry, with cars now being the focal point of many conventions and shows. Whether it is the famous Chicago Auto Show you may visit or the renowned Las Vegas Car Convention, there is a car convention for you. Or perhaps you are looking for fun things to do in Annapolis, where you can go for Cars and Coffee every Sunday if that floats your boat! Basically, wherever you are, cars are there too (except perhaps Venice).
My point is, cars are so much more than vehicles and are attracting the attention of people who may not ever buy (or perhaps be able to afford some of them), but just enjoy the products, the razzmatazz, and everything that goes with the car industry. One of the reasons for this wider interest in what was perhaps once a niche sector is the fact that, as my headline posits, cars are now so much more than just a vehicle. What do I mean by that, more precisely? Let’s take a deeper dive as I attempt to explain.
Technology travels as cars cater to new digital driving generations
Cars are, of course, one of the most common forms of transport in the world, and by far the most owned and used in terms of personal and domestic travel and journeys. As new drivers get their licenses, the number of cars on the road continues to increase, but what people want from their cars also continues to evolve. We still, as drivers, want reliability, good miles to the gallon, and a comfortable seating arrangement. But then there are the extras, some of which are now becoming more standard. One of the major feature additions to cars has come via technology and incorporates mobile device connectivity.
Whether it is CarPlay, an Android version of the same, high-end speakers connected to digital music libraries, cameras, sensors, or systems that read texts and let you dictate as you drive, it’s all there. Driving a car and communicating at the same time is now the ultimate hands-free setup, and technology is a part of car travel for the younger driving generation. Look at any car features review article or new technology publication related to cars and you will see just how important this in-car tech has become for both automobile companies and the drivers they hope to attract.
Naturally, any such technology that is included or added to a car has to be in keeping with the style of the vehicle, and also aesthetically, ergonomically, and practically easy to use for drivers. Indeed, as technology becomes ever more dominant in our world, car makers are increasingly able to incorporate digital advancements and innovation to make their cars even more attractive to tech-savvy buyers, of which there are more and more. Many tech features are related to entertainment, such as music libraries, and car manufacturers and tech companies are working hand in hand to ensure they offer a seamless, integrated driver experience.
Charging ahead: The modern electric vehicle does not compromising on quality
As clean, renewable energy becomes more of a sought-after end game, the car industry is pioneering this future with both hybrid and fully electric cars. At first, the concept was slow to take off, but things have changed and continue to do so. With the creation of more electric car charging infrastructures, the incentives to buy an electric car are growing, and the price of these eco-friendly vehicles is slowly coming down, so things are looking more positive.
Moreover, it is clear that more major car manufacturing companies are now creating better electric vehicles than ever before. Whether it is a sports model a family-friendly SUV, or anything in between, car companies are making electric vehicles more mainstream in terms of their appeal and practicality. With electric vehicles entering the mid-range and now luxury car markets, the industry is growing apace.
Naturally, gas and diesel cars are still ahead in sales, but this emerging market of hybrids and electric cars is charging forward as manufacturers attempt to continue the production of cars that are a careful blend of eco-friendly and high-quality. As I said at the start of this piece, cars are all about driving, but they are also about elegance, entertainment, and now electric, as the automobile world continues to drive itself, and all of us forward.
