Electrification and autonomy are transforming vehicle cabins, but not as fast as thought during the heady days of 2015. This special report looks at what's likely in the transformation of vehicle cockpits over the next few years and how safety considerations are helping to drive design.

In this presentation Wards Intelligence, Senior Analyst, Drew Winter, shows past concept-car hype and presents a realistic view of future cockpit designs to 2030. This presentation looks at the design challenges presented by increasingly stringent crash safety regulations, HVAC system architectures and other realities. The response by safety system and climate control suppliers is explained in detail. Also explored are the future of new UV-C disinfecting systems and other occupant wellness features.

Sophisticated virtual assistants embedded within vehicles are available, but they tend to be offered only on premium brands because they are costly to develop and implement. Aiming to fill this technology gap, Cerence, the automotive spinoff of voice-recognition expert Nuance, has just announced a turnkey automotive voice assistant that will enable automakers to quickly deploy in-vehicle voice assistants to meet growing consumer demand.

“As of 2025, every Bosch product will either contain artificial intelligence or will have been developed or manufactured with the help of AI,” says Michael Bolle, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.

Fullsize truck demand is roaring in the face of rising fuel prices and a declining market. Yet two Wards surveys of powertrain experts and auto engineers say the industry is investing heavily in electrification. Even so, a growing majority of engineers and designers say this investment will not be enough to meet current Federal CAFE standards. A panel of Wards editors will walk attendees through the data and shed light on the confusion. – Presented by Editors and Analysts from Wards Intelligence and WardsAuto.

The new high-power 48V system is targeted first at Europe but could be used in U.S. midsize or fullsize SUVs as a starter-generator hybrid application and to supply juice for devices such as power tools.