The Future Of Automotive Technology
There has been countless advancements in technology within the past decade that has altered the daily lives of the population. We are all familiar with smartphones, hybrid cars, and the ever infamous Google with its various divisions such as YouTube, Android, Google+, Flicker, etc. Now the new thing that many predict to take over the automotive industry is the development of automated vehicles or also referred to as driverless cars.
For the first time, a driver can just ride in a car without having to worry about controlling the wheel or keeping a foot on the brake, he / she would not even need to pay attention to red lights. Thanks to a new technology currently being developed by Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, all of whom have already promised fully automated designs to be commercially ready by 2020, there may be a new line of vehicles ready to rise to the top of the industry.
The internet giant, Google has also developed its so called “driverless cars” and has 200 prototypes being tested around Google’s Mountain View, California headquarters this summer. Currently the maximum speed of these cars can reach 25mph, and it will have manual controls for the test driver to override any situations. If all testing passes, Google plans to joint venture with other corporate giants to bring this technology to market with no manual controls for overriding anything.
However, there are those who have concerns associated with automated vehicles. Some are worried about the safety of these cars, and how it will affect insurance policy underwriting, liabilities to auto manufacturers, not to mention the implementation of law enforcement, and regulations with the DMV. Actually the DMV reports that rules governing the operation of automated vehicles in California is being adopted by January 1, 2015. Concerned Watchdogs are trying to delay it for another 18 months to allow ample testing of these cars before it is released on the market.
According to Donald Gage, spokesperson for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), the movement of automated cars will eventually succeed. He believes that this new technology could actually benefit Americans, preventing traffic accidents, minimizing personal injuries and property damages, improving traffic flow, and reducing road congestion. Based on these benefits, research predicts that automated vehicle sales could hit 95.4 million annually by 2035.
Industry Preparations For Automated Vehicles
Auto body shops such as, Mission Viejo Auto Collision, have already begun to prepare for the new automated vehicle technology. Carrying out the work required on these automated vehicles will require mechanics with specialized sets of skills and abilities. They not only have to be able to repair cars, but also be tech savvy. Auto body repair facilities will have to hire computer technicians to handle the electronic side of the auto repair.
Preparation outside of car body repair shops has also started. The automobile industry will undergo changes in curriculum through secondary and post-secondary schools. Also, many vocational schools have begun to develop programs that are focused mostly in electronics, software, and radio communications.
Auto collision repair shops will definitely play a role in getting public acceptance of automated vehicles. As of June 2013, only 21% of Americans believe self-driving cars should be allowed on the roads. By being prepared and having the knowledge to do repairs on old, current and future models of cars, auto body shops like Mission Viejo Auto Collision can help educate citizens on the benefits of automated cars. Americans can then become more reassured of the new technology and allow for the growth of this new vehicle.
In the end, no one really knows for sure how this will turn out. Maybe automated vehicles will become a part of daily life. Maybe the idea will be abandoned. But, the wheels have already started rolling on its development. Auto body repair schools in the U.S. have started the groundwork on this new technology by structuring curriculums for it. Who knows? We may be able to add automated vehicles to the list of the twenty first century inventions.
