Since the arrival of the first cars on Dutch roads, an extraordinary amount has changed. There are stricter requirements, the infrastructure is much more heavily taxed and the possibilities around choosing means of transport are extremely diverse. Yet this is the moment when the most is happening in the car industry. Various developments are being worked hard and in rapid succession. Chances are extremely high that in 10 years' time, motoring will no longer resemble today's motoring in any respect. The car industry continues to improve in quality and make increasing use of the technological marvels that are now available. And it's about time too.
A long list of (intertwined) innovations
Before a list can be made of the various highs and innovations, it is worth emphasising that many developments are related. By using more data, new innovations are possible, which in turn lay the foundation for other developments. When setting up new developments, reasoning is always based on the following benefits:
- More driver comfort;
- Safer use of infrastructure;
- Optimal use of infrastructure;
- Environmental awareness;
- Duurzaamheid.
The best innovations obviously bet on several factors. They also tend to get the most attention because there are more lobbyists and proponents of the developments.
Distronic Plus - the option with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The first innovation we want to mention here is a clear example of one that ticks several boxes. Distronic Plus is optional on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and takes over the accelerator and brake pedal from the driver while driving in a traffic jam. This way, less fuel is used (environmentally conscious), fewer accidents occur (safer and more optimal use of infrastructure) and it is easier for the driver to drive in traffic jams, something many people dislike.
The successful roll-out of the Distronic Plus option is not only a reason for Mercedes-Benz to use it more often, it is also a strong addition to the possibilities that exist around the self-driving car.
Toyota Mirai - a hydrogen-powered car
Toyota stunned the automotive world with the Mirai. Not only because it is a hydrogen-powered car, making it fully electric without charging. Above all, it has become a particularly attractive model, which means that the sustainable nature of the car is not apparent from its appearance (as with the Prius). The Mirai has the look of a sporty car, but is a model that uses the technological know-how of the moment. With this, Toyota proves once again that it is working on the future of electric driving: during acceleration and braking, energy is captured by the powertrain and stored in the battery.
The car is not only sustainable and better for the environment; the comfort for the driver is many times higher due to the noiseless engine in the car and the fact that the car is particularly cheap to run is also a big advantage. The higher purchase price is thus a temporary and easily manageable disadvantage.
Whether Toyota will continue to develop hydrogen-based engines in the short term is not known, but this is definitely a brand to keep an eye on along with Tesla - because major advances in electric driving are being made there too .
Blockchain in the automotive industry with MOBI
On 2May 2018, MOBI (Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative)was founded. A consortium that aims to thoroughly revolutionise the future of driving. Already at its inception, more than 36 partners were involved in the project, including Ford, Bosch, BMW and the entire Renault group. MOBI focuses on implementing blockchain technology in the automotive industry.
Now this all sounds particularly abstract, mainly because too little attention is paid to it from the Dutch news coverage. Concrete examples that will become possible by using blockchain in the future of the automotive industry:
- Automated processing of tolls;
- Lower cost of car repairs;
- Real-time information on traffic jams through data sharing;
- Playing, updating and/or ordering in-car infotainment;
- Maintenance book/Damage history with 100% clarity and honesty;
- Insurance/Road tax via blockchain.
The big advantages lie in the immutable nature of blockchain. Data cannot be falsified, at the same time there are far fewer operations required for administration. Another advantage is its transverse nature, which increases capabilities and reduces costs for the average driver.
Is blockchain already being used?
MOBI has quite a few tests running and is currently collecting a lot of data on maintenance logs, among other things, on the blockchain. A blockchain application is also being worked on by IOTA with CarVertical, another project that leans entirely on blockchain technology. So definitely something to keep an eye on with an eye on the future. However, the big breakthrough of blockchain within the automotive industry is expected when self-driving cars will be widely used in traffic.
The self-driving car
All innovations lead almost irrevocably to the self-driving car. A car that does not need to refuel, that collects data via blockchain and that can drive itself during traffic jams - that is already more than the basics. The tests currently being held worldwide have shown varying results. Work is currently underway to perfect the system; the first self-driving cars are expected to be on Dutch roads by 2020.
On to smart mobility?
The overarching denominator seems to be sustainable and smart mobility: making optimal use of data streams in order to make more optimal use of infrastructure while at the same time minimising environmental impact. By listing the various innovations and possibly complementing them with other breakthroughs within the automotive industry (energy-generating shock absorbers, breathable tyres, solar panels), it is clear that the automotive industry is improving significantly in quality and is focused on the possibilities for the future.
