DETROIT, MI (WKBN) – Automakers from across the globe look for ways to beat their competition when it comes to advancements in technology.
The folks at General Motors proudly showed off the Bolt EV, their latest electric car that can drive 200 miles on a fully-charged battery. It’s also equipped with Michelin’s self-sealing tires, surround vision and a rear camera mirror.
“Maybe you went to Home Depot and bought a little bit too much, so now you can see what’s going on in the back of the vehicle all with this display,” said the Bolt’s Product Manager, Darin Gesse, “but it’s simple to turn it off. Just a flip of the switch and you’ll turn on the mirror. It’s just a regular mirror now you can see what’s going on.”
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said they made strides in Driver-Assist technologies with Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus. The company said it’s capable of bringing a vehicle to full stop at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. The system combined both radars and cameras, and will be available in seven 2016 models including: Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Jeep Renegade.
Then there’s Ford Motor Company. They demonstrated advancements in the glass used in windshields. Partnering with Corning, they’re now using Gorilla Glass, a stronger, lighter, glass that significantly reduces windshield cracks.
“It’s 30% lighter, and if we can take 30% of the weight out of the glass of the vehicle, which is on a typical vehicle more than 100 pounds per vehicle, that’s a substantial savings,” said Paul Linden, Supervisor for Advanced Technologies in Body Exterior Mechanisms at Ford Motor Company.
Linden also said by making the glass lighter, it improves fuel economy and lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. This Gorilla Glass is in production for the Ford GT.
Another big thing at the North American International Auto Show, electronic gadgets with things like bigger touch screens.
Gesse said, “As you look at how cars are evolving, they’re quickly becoming more of a consumer electronic device than an automobile or transportation device.”
