Germans wow with new technology at CES

Two German car manufacturers have been wowing crowds in the US with their advances in driverless technology and interaction.

Mercedes Benz and BMW were wowing the crowds at the Consumer Entertainment Show (CES) in Las Vegas, one of the largest consumer expos in the world.

Mercedes arguably put the bigger emphasis on relieving the owner from driving duties, with their F 015 concept model not only offering a self-driving option, but also a cabin with multiple layout options and touchscreens throughout the interior. The car is even able to speak to pedestrians, offering them the right of way at crossings.

Over on the BMW stand however, the luxury manufacturer demonstrated how the car could evolve into more than the means to your transportation end, becoming instead the key to unlocking how you organize your day. BMW see this happening with the aid of a suite of technologies that connect to smartphones and smart TVs to access your diary before providing you with the best transport solutions available to get you to where you need to be. The car won’t put a bias on itself either, and will advise on whether driving, walking, public transport or a combination of the three is the best option on the day.

Also on display was the Park Now app, which will automatically find a space for your car at the press of a button. Not only that but the car will return to meet you at the car park entrance when you’re ready to leave thanks to a 360 degree collision avoidance system which monitors the surroundings whilst controlling speed, direction and braking to prevent collisions.

Whilst there is no doubt that car manufacturers will be able to do great things that could revolutionise motor travel in the near future it remains to be seen whether or not mankind will be able to accept such radical changes and relinquish control of their cars after over a hundred years.

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