"Readers--glad I am not the only one to question the proliferation of electronics in vehicles."
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but as they say "too much of something can become a nuisance". Unfortunately, car manufacturers will not understand that, because they have to follow the technology race and make sure they are ahead their competitors. But they have to do it right to maintain their credibility.
Readers--glad I am not the only one to question the proliferation of electronics in vehicles. In fact, most of the electronics have worked very well--ABS; air bags -- many of the safety features that are now SOP in most vehicles. Under the hood systems seems to work really well--it's the "cockpit" electronics that are the problem. I find GPS distracting (voice activation may cure that); cell phones a nightmare and I want nothing to do with touch screen dashboards. Lest I be considered an anti-technology heretic, the dials, knobs, buttons, LCD screens and everything else on the dashboard all work better thanks to good old electronics. A good point about people "clamoring" for more electronics--I don't know any of those people either ;-)
I do keep hearing this noise that the automakers are under lots of pressure to put more technology into the vehicles. So who is putting on this pressure? I can assure them that it is not me. I really don't want touch-control anything in my car. Also, I don't want multiple level menues for any function that I might need to control while driving. In fact, I would really prefer to have quite a few less features in general. If the automakers are really interested.
So it would be quite interesting if somehow we could find out who these people are who are demanding all of these features.
The reality is that a car is not like a disposable piece of consumer-grade garbage, where it does not matter if it fails after a few weeks. Some of us do not get a new vehicle every few weeks, and product longevity is important to us. The marketing wonks should be made to understand that.
Personally I believe a car's user interface should be big, bold and simple so as not to distract the driver. I agree many modern cars' interior controls are bamboozling and I do not like them.
Good post from Ms Daisy allows to outline one point more; car makers' investments in gadgets to introduce is good, but where we are with regard to "green"? Even some steps forward have been done for producing prototypes of green care, we are still quite far in terms of final products to bring on the market. Cars based on solar energy or rechargeable battery don't still allow a sufficient autonomy as per people need. Why investments are in gadgets instead of trying to finalize definitely green?
Dave, you're correct in saying that Ford should be given the credibility in being a technology leader in the automobile industry. Ford did right by providing these gadgets in the name of innovation and competition.I just think, extra care is required when testing these devices to ensure customer satisfaction.In addition, I think safety, reliability and fuel consumptions are of great importance to its customers, hence more focus is highly required in these areas too if Ford wants to compete effectively and further attract customers.
I am a long time loyal Ford fan, having used Ford cars for many years. I am really dissapointed to hear about this rush to join the band wagon of touch screen electronics, and deviating from Ford reliabilty. I agree with all the people who believe the focus should be on safety and higher gas mileage per gallon.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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