CES 2017 Recap: Future on Display

With many companies focusing on the hardware and software enabling the next generation of mobility, my picks for some of the most exciting developments we saw from specific OEM’s over the course of the 2017 CES Show are highlighted here.

As I walked the North Hall show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center on the opening day of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017, I was taken aback by the sheer volume of companies taking part of the inevitable mobility revolution. With more than 170,000 people in attendance this year, the revolution is clearly an important pillar in the future of global technology.

From vehicle launches to interactive demos, the show offered industry professionals a comprehensive (some might say ‘overwhelming’) look at what these companies’ R&D departments have been exploring in the last year. With many companies focusing on the hardware and software enabling the next generation of mobility, my picks for some of the most exciting developments we saw from specific OEM’s over the course of the show are highlighted below.

FCA_Portal

FCA kicked things into high gear, revealing its Chrysler Portal concept vehicle “built for millennials by millennials.” The futuristic concept did not disappoint with an innovative interior and thoughtful design approach. With a claimed 250-mile electric range, flexible seating arrangements, and adaptive technology supporting semi to fully autonomous functions over time, FCA has established itself as a bona fide competitor in the mobility race. While we may never see this vehicle in production, look for certain elements to make their way to production vehicles over the next couple years.

FF_91_Exterior

Another headline-stealing OEM, Faraday Future, created buzz by showcasing its new concept vehicle, the FF-91. While the company is struggling with PR amid reports that top executives are leaving, it seems Faraday Future is still heads-down in convincing the public they’re a player to be reckoned with. One could argue they’re already winning that battle with 60,000 reservations on the FF-91 model. And with a claimed 0-60 time of 2.4 seconds, they’re certainly living up to the hype. Though financial investment doesn’t seem to be a problem at this point, it remains to be seen whether Faraday Future can rally as an organization and bring this model to production.

2017-Cadillac-XTS

In the vehicle ownership realm, General Motors wants to change the game with its new ownership model ‘Book by Cadillac.’ For $1,500 a month, you can get access to any top-trim Cadillac model with tax, insurance, maintenance, and unlimited monthly mileage included. GM beta tested this flexible ownership model for months and has reached a point where the company feels the service is ready for mainstream adoption. Will the new model stick? Given the fluid state of many Cadillac customers’ lives, my bet is this ownership model will gain traction and that we’ll see other luxury-based brands adopt the streamlined concept.

“Companies will continue to push the boundaries on what’s possible and leverage CES as a platform for the world take notice.”

With countless other highlights and announcements, CES 2017 no doubt made this its biggest year yet for mobility. It’s a trend we’ll only see increase in the coming years. Companies will continue to push the boundaries on what’s possible and leverage CES as a platform for the world take notice.

With CES winding down, many of the OEM’s who showcased vehicles in Vegas are continuing their event sprint and shifting their focus to the Motor City. The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), kicks into high-gear this week with all eyes on Detroit. This year’s show features many new vehicle announcements, displays and AutoMobili-D, a 120,000 sq. ft. space focusing on the future of mobility and the supporting technology. It’s safe to say, the lines between CES and NAIAS have officially been blurred and January will be an important month for many years to come.