Since Ford first graced the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas 12 years ago to launch its SYNC software for connected cars, a steady convoy of vehicle manufacturers has been headed for the world's biggest tech expo.
But it was only last year that a carmaker first took the leap from showing off technology to launching a car at CES. The unlikely pioneer was Kia, with the Niro electric concept car. BMW also chose the event to showcase the new X5 crossover SUV, but only in virtual-reality demonstrations. Along with new tech from Nissan and Volvo, that was enough to see CES named one of the top 10 auto shows in the US.
This year, it is likely to climb up the rankings as big marques succumb to the temptation to launch concept cars at the event. Daimler-Benz took the line honours at CES 2019, unveiling the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, which features an evolved version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, now controlled merely by gesture.
Daimler also revealed its first production trucks using partial autonomy, or Level 2 in the five-level categorisation developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. This indicates steering, acceleration and lane-keeping assistance, allowing the driver to reduce concentration while keeping hands on the wheel. It's always been regarded as a bold step to take large trucks to this basic level, but, given that most accidents are a result of driver error, the new Cascadia trucks are unlikely to meet with resistance.
The kudos for the most eye-opening automotive concept, however, went to Hyundai, which announced the first vehicle with moveable legs. It is called, appropriately, the Elevate, and introduces an entirely new car category: the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle, or UMV. It blends the technology of electric cars and robots, and is aimed at emergency services that need to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of regular off-road vehicles.
The Elevate can switch out different bodies for a variety of situations and is capable of both "mammalian and reptilian walking gaits". And the legs can be folded away, allowing the vehicle to drive on a regular highway.
Nissan looked into the future to unveil a vision rather than a vehicle. It demonstrated Invisible-to-Visible (I2V), a technology created through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company's vision for changing how cars are integrated into society. I2V combines data from sensors inside and outside the vehicle, and information updated via the cloud, to create a virtual map - allowing drivers to "see" what is around corners.
The CES automotive halo was not confined to four wheels. Motorcyclemaker Harley-Davidson debuted two new concept electric two-wheelers and announced availability for LiveWire, its first electric production motorcycle. The technology is provided by Panasonic Automotive, which supplies automotive infotainment systems.
The company's OneConnect service, along with the Harley-Davidson App, links LiveWire riders with bikes through smartphones, providing information like battery charge level,range, vehicle location and service reminders. The future of driving, in short, is about what makes sense.
Goldstuck is founder of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram on @art2gee..