Automaker Technology To Make Driving Easier

Washington DC August 30, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that automakers are developing ways to shift a lot of the driver's work onto the vehicle.

BMW AG, DaimlerChrysler AG, and Toyota Motor Corp. are among the automakers starting to market cars that automate many parts of the driving experience: self-parking cars (with the driver inside or out); parking guidance systems; enhanced cruise-control systems that work in stop-and-go-traffic and maintain a safe distance between cars; and, warning systems that tell you when you've strayed from your lane, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Since most of the technologies are not available in the U.S., it remains to be seen whether consumers who like to drive high-performance luxury vehicles will want to surrender driving tasks.

Industry analyst Stephen Cheetham says liability fears have caused the industry to proceed cautiously when introducing driver-assistance systems, though much of the basic technology has been available for years.