We’ve reached an exciting time in the automotive industry. In fact, we could be at a pivotal point in history. The next five to ten years will no doubt shape the future of automobiles, and, indeed, travel; perhaps forever. You see, in recent years we’ve seen a steady trickle of change among the cars we’ve seen on the market.
First we had the idea of electric cars at last conceptualised. They got released, wheeled out and lauded as the future of modern transport. A greener way to drive. A car that was trendy, practical and could save the environment. It was thought that electric cars would replace regular with a degree of immediacy. But for whatever reason that hasn’t been the case. The impact of electric cars has stalled somewhat in recent years.
Enter the hybrid car. This was automobile manufacturers’ answer to the electric car. Hybrid cars combined the best of both worlds. We had the stylish designs and power of regular vehicles. But the energy and fuel-efficiency appeal of electric cars. Hybrid cars have seemed to produce a smoother transition between regular and electric.
And now, of course, we have autonomous cars. In particular, this year the Mercedes-Benz F015 has caused quite a stir. Autonomous cars are also known as driverless cars. Vehicles that power themselves. The idea being, as Mercedes chairman Dieter Zetsche opined, to ‘turn cars into mobile homes.’
Mercedes have continually been a step ahead of the curve. Throughout history they’ve rebranded and reinvented themselves. And they’ve always managed to stay a step ahead of their rivals. You only have to look at the number of deluxe models they’ve released throughout the years.
Of course, you’ll be able to drive autonomous cars, but that almost defeats the point of them, right? Mercedes have an eagerly anticipated autonomous S-Class planned for 2030. And it seems the F015 is a precursor to that. An appetiser to whet the palate. The amuse bouche before the dinner. And it certainly does the trick in that regard.
The car is a total trend-setter. It’s concept and design are light years ahead of where we are right now. The car itself resembles one of the cars from Tron. Except it’s more elegant and luxurious. No doubt this is a fantastic rebrand for Mercedes. They’ve managed to change the future direction of automotive luxury with one car.
This self-powered, self-reliant hybrid has all the makings of a futuristic movie prop. It allows the driver complete freedom. You can rotate the seats in the cabin. There are six displays screens inside that use sensors and gesture control. This is a futuristic car in every sense of the word. The idea of these vehicles is to cut down on traffic congestion, offer safer journey’s and reduce stress levels.
Mercedes seem to be at the front of the queue when it comes to the development of autonomous transport. They seem ready for whatever technological developments might be necessary for the future. And while the F015 only provides us with a minds-eye glimpse into the future, it’s a future that seems very bright indeed.
In the meantime, we’ll have to wait for the issues surrounding autonomous cars to get sorted. There are a great deal of questions that still need answering. Who’s liable in the event of accidents? What sort of decisions can the car make, or not? And how does this affect road travel from a legal viewpoint, such as insurance premiums?
While these questions still remain we might be in for a long wait before we can enjoy the future of autonomous travel.
Wow! What a cool looking car! it would certainly change the roads if we had things like these driving on them every day.