The Washington Auto Show (WAS), also known as the “Policy Auto Show”, concluded on Sunday wrapping up ten days with more than 700 car models assembled just blocks from the White House and Capitol Hill. US Vice President Joe Biden was among the many visitors to see the Advanced Technology Superhighway, an exhibit featuring over an acre of innovations in automotive safety and green technology.

Several cool cars from the auto show circuit were on display, such as the Fun Vii, Toyota’s version of a Batmobile with an LED-screen exterior that acts as a digital skin changing color and design like a mood ring. Toyota’s vast exhibit also included the Scion FR-S – the Dell computer equivalent for the auto industry – which you can custom order online with up to 3,000 variations. And Mustang continued its 50-year celebratory tour showing off a collection of its best cars made since its initial model in 1964.

Yet the main attraction and distinctive feature of the WAS was the largest collection of green cars and latest thinking in automotive safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists eight key safety issues, three of which are in the technology domain: distracted driving, connected car, and fuel efficiency. Car makers showed off proposed technology solutions for each of these at the show.

Safety Technology

Distracted driving accounted for 10% of U.S. highway deaths in 2013. Mobile phones have increased driving distractions, particularly texting, which carries a 23 x higher risk of accident than driving without distractions, according to NHTSA. Connected car technology shows much promise for reducing accidents, easing traffic congestion, and improving the environment. In particular, sensor technology applications that enhance safety will be more rapidly adopted. Ford and Mercedes illustrated several such apps at the show that are already being implemented.

The Ford Fusion includes several features to combat driver distraction. Its Voice Activated Sync connects with smartphones for calls and uses voice-activated commands to search for entertainment and ask for roadside assistance. The Forward Collision Warning system uses heads up displays and audible warnings when it senses a potential oncoming collision. Its Blindspot Information System similarly warns of oncoming traffic from behind or beside the car. Adaptive Cruise Control monitors speed, brakes automatically when traffic ahead slows, and automatically returns to cruising speed when conditions allow.

Mercedes Intelligent Drive uses imaging and sensors around the car. Its Attention Assist service measures more than 70 variables to establish driving patterns and warning thresholds for signs of driver distraction or drowsiness. Its Collision Prevention Assist automatically breaks to avoid objects as needed.

Green Technology

The Obama administration’s fuel efficiency standards of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, or 50% above current levels, are pushing automakers to push forward on fuel economy. Top performing hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt, Ford Fusion, and Toyota Prius are already rated at 58-62 miles per gallon. Electric cars are the most efficient models, with the Chevrolet Spark EV, Honda Fit EV and Fiat 500e clocking in at 116-119 MPGe, a miles per gallon equivalent for electric cars. But these cars have limited range and require new charging station infrastructure for broader adoption… Read more