4 Auto Innovations To Be Thankful For This Year

Turkey Day is nearly here – a time for food, family, and the endless struggle between the fourth quarter of the Cowboys game and tryptophan-induced drowsiness.

It’s a season that calls for reflection, for renewed appreciation of the things that make life worthwhile. Whether you’re stocking up on ingredients at Richland Creek or driving the family home from Grandma’s house, the constant travel of the holidays serves as a reminder of the importance of a reliable vehicle.

In giving thanks to our automobiles, we also have to recognize the recent advancements that have been made throughout the automotive world. With a plethora of contemporary features, today’s driving experience is both safer and more convenient than it has ever been. Here’s a four-course meal of recent and semi-recent automotive innovations we should all give thanks to:

Collision Avoidance Technology

The advent of the airbag marked a significant milestone in vehicle safety, offering a crucial layer of protection in the wake of an accident. But for today’s automakers, the emphasis has moved towards averting such incidents entirely. This is where collision avoidance systems (CAS) play a pivotal role.

The first (extremely rudimentary) rearview backup camera was introduced way back with the 1956 Buick Centurion, and today, that feature comes standard with most new vehicles. But the ambitions of car makers have expanded to include fully-integrated driver assistance systems. These systems do more than simply notify drivers of other vehicles in proximity; they can take full control of the car’s operations to avoid a potential crash. Having a CAS is tantamount to always having a co-pilot by your side, and its presence saves lives daily.

Mobile App Interconnectivity

The world is more connected than ever, and your car is now a key part of that eternal web. Though Bluetooth connectivity and similar means of interfacing your phone to your vehicle have been around for over a decade, there’s been a recent surge in connected mobile apps.

For numerous car manufacturers, integrating as many compatible applications as possible with their vehicles has become a high-priority goal. This creates a smooth transition from your home or office to your Honda. Assuming this trend continues, ten years from now it may be easier to list the things your car can’t do.

LED Headlights

Since their arrival in 2004, LED (short for “Light-Emitting Diode”) headlights have become the general preference of many manufacturers – predominately luxury brands. It’s not hard to see why. LED lights boast several advantages over traditional halogen and tungsten lights, including longer lifespans, increased visibility, and less electricity use. Consequently, LED results in a substantial reduction in headlight maintenance cost.

While we may not have the capability to fully replicate daylight driving during our evening commutes just yet, but LED is illuminating the way forward.

EcoBoost Engines

Any technological advancement becomes moot if we don’t prioritize our planet’s health first and foremost. Ford’s EcoBoost engine, an eco-friendly counterpart to traditional engines, was developed with this philosophy in mind. This turbocharged petrol engine uses direct injection technology and aims to produce the same power and torque as standard engines, but with significantly better fuel efficiency. As a result, EcoBoost engines are able to enhance fuel economy by 20% and reduce greenhouse emissions by 15%.

As we peer deeper into our automotive future, electric vehicles and green-first options seem destined to become more ubiquitous. Less costly and more versatile than purely gas or diesel engines, EcoBoost engines should only continue to grow in popularity.

The Rest is Gravy

We have plenty to be thankful for here at Billy Wood Honda, from the lemon pepper wings at The Flying Burger to (especially) our loyal customers. As vehicular technology continues to evolve and expand, we remain committed to providing you with Honda’s newest models. Our entire inventory of new and used vehicles is like an elegant Thanksgiving spread – plentiful, variable, and there for your fulfillment. Bon Appétit, and have a tremendous holiday!