Edmunds highlights top car-tech trends from CES 2024
ABC News
CES in Las Vegas gives us a glimpse of where automakers believe vehicles are headed in the future
CES provides an annual insight into where and how cutting-edge innovations will reshape how people work, study, communicate and, in many cases, how they’ll drive. This year CES saw a number of automakers present concept vehicles that seem both years into the future and on the very cusp of production.
From flying vehicles and AI-powered voice assistants to the latest in EVs, CES 2024 offers a peek into what you’ll be driving — or what might be driving you — in the years ahead. The automotive experts at Edmunds have rounded up some of this year’s most notable automotive debuts.
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is poised to reshape countless aspects of daily life. While there are plenty of concerns and opportunities involved, it’s clear that automakers will be moving ahead to use AI for what they hope will be a more helpful and optimistic driving future.
Mercedes-Benz, for its part, debuted its next-generation AI virtual assistant software. The upcoming version of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment interface, dubbed MB.OS, will feature conversational voice commands and far more nuanced responses. For example, by monitoring voice instructions and driving behavior, the AI system can determine if a driver is hurried and stressed or cruising along carefree. A version of MB.OS is set to debut in Mercedes’ upcoming electric-powered CLA sedan.
Another German automaker, Volkswagen, says it will integrate ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot, into its vehicles to provide more voice interaction beyond what’s currently available. For example, the car’s existing voice command features will work for things like navigation, climate control or general knowledge requests. But something it can’t handle will be forwarded anonymously to ChatGPT. ChatGPT will then respond in a seamless Volkswagen voice and style. For now, Volkswagen has not said when this functionality will be available on its vehicles sold in the United States.
Uber says it will invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian Automotive to help launch up to 50,000 robotaxis
Kuwait says a drone attack targeting an oil refinery has sparked a fire
The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, is forecasting annual retail sales will grow at a faster clip this year than last year, citing consumers’ resilience despite lots of economic volatility
U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February
U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February
Macy’s profit rose more than Wall Street expected in the fourth-quarter, and the retailer delivered another increase in comparable sales Wednesday
Iran's judiciary says it has executed man for allegedly spying for Israel's Mossad as war rages
Japan has recorded a trade surplus of 57.3 billion yen, or $360 million, in February, according to government data, reversing from a deficit a month earlier
The Iran war has rattled the global flow of oil, with steeper fuel costs already straining households worldwide
The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a $133 million package to combat contamination from forever chemicals
Colombia says it is seeking a license from the U.S. Treasury Department to invest in several electricity and natural gas ventures in Venezuela
The Iran war has scrambled the Federal Reserve’s outlook on inflation and unemployment and will likely further delay interest rate cuts this year, putting off any relief for consumers struggling with high borrowing costs for home and car purchases
Argentina’s wine industry, once a thriving business, is facing its worst crisis in more than 15 years, with record low domestic consumption and a drop in exports