Connected Cars Expected to Upstage Video Games at Consumer Electronics Show

Who would have thought it, but vehicles may very well be the star attraction at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas that opens Jan. 6.

Get this: 10 automakers will strut their stuff at the CES, including those with touch screen dashboards and others controlled by smartwatches.  Really.

According to a recent report in Bloomberg, “The evolution of Ford’s CES exhibit tells the story of the automotive ascent at the trade show that attracts 140,000 visitors.

“Five years ago, Ford displayed its new Taurus on a 20-foot-by-20-foot piece of carpet. This year, Ford has a two-story display with five vehicles, a wall of digital screens and private offices for conducting business.”

BM W is also expected to go big, with an exhibit that includes a fleet of more than 100 cars.

Tara Dunion, a spokeswoman for CES notes that the amount of exhibit space dedicated to car technologies has almost doubled over the last five years to 165,000 square feet.

Behind the movement are today’s drivers, who increasingly want to constantly connected, just like their favorite smart phone, only on wheels.

In fact, research shows that in-vehicle technology is the top selling point for 39 percent of car buyers, more than twice the 14 percent who care most about horsepower and handling.

Category: Driver Stuff, Featured, General Update