CHANGING THE WAY WE DRIVE
Innovation and technology are making our roads safer and driving more efficient

Concept cars at the Canadian International AutoShow provide a glimpse into the future.
The Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept has an artificial intelligence system that reads changes in traffic and road conditions
and coordinates with driver intent to make it safer and easier to drive. (Photo courtesy the Canadian International AutoShow)

TORONTO, Ont. — The autonomous car is not quite here — yet.

But the technology and innovation that will bring self-driving cars to our roads is quickly becoming commonplace in today’s cars and trucks. Across the showroom floor at the 2019 Canadian International AutoShow, there are vehicles equipped with technology that sounds a warning signal if you drift out of your lane, helps you parallel park, backs you out of tight spaces or even slows down and stops your car to avoid forward collisions. We are also starting to see adaptive cruise control available as options on some luxury brands, providing acceleration, braking and steering in a highway environment.

“We may not have a fully autonomous car on our streets yet, but the innovation and technology that are going to take us there are making our roads safer and making driving easier and more efficient,” says Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow. “What we are seeing in production models today used to be the dreams of concept cars and even science fiction. But the future is here, and it’s quite exciting.”

The concept cars at this year’s AutoShow are certainly providing us a glimpse at the next step of autonomous driving.

Besides offering a full electric platform, the Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept has an artificial intelligence system that reads changes in traffic and road conditions and coordinates with driver intent to make it safer and easier to drive.

Also all-electric, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept introduces “Chauffeur Mode” that allows for a complete hands-free operation, thanks to the vehicle’s by-wire steering, braking, acceleration, lights and signals. The result is smooth, carefree driving with maximum efficiency and reduced risk of accidents.

The stunning Genesis Essentia concept is the company’s first all-electric vehicle. But it also has state-of-the-art vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity to keep drivers informed of their surrounding conditions, helping avoid accidents.

With a commitment to produce one million electric vehicles by 2025, Volkswagen has introduced the I.D. Crozz concept, a crossover SUV complete with autopilot capabilities, heads-up display and an augmented reality windshield.

The Infiniti QX Inspiration concept was built with a lounge-like atmosphere in the cabin; hinting at the future of autonomous driving, the steering wheel collapses into the dashboard and the pedals retract into the floor, creating even more space should the driver wish to hand over control.

Toyota is quickly expanding its Safety Sense package across its family of vehicles, using autonomous technology to reduce the risk of forward and rear-end collisions. Its Fine Comfort Ride concept is an alternative fuel cell vehicle with a spacious, lounge-like interior with wraparound displays ready to adapt to an autonomous future.

The 2019 Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star and wheels.ca, continues until February 24th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For tickets and show information, please visit autoshow.ca.