What's new -- and what's missing -- in your next new car

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Automakers are continually making changes in vehicles. These can be technological breakthroughs, such as the automatic emergency braking systems that are increasingly becoming standard on new cars. Some are mandated changes, such as a federal requirement that all vehicles have backup cameras, which went into effect in May.

At times, the shifts reflect consumer electronic trends. Cassette players in cars gave way to in-dash CD systems, which started disappearing from cars when Bluetooth streaming music arrived.

Many of these feature swaps don’t get a lot of fanfare, so you might not always realize what’s come and gone until you’re shopping for a new car. Here’s an overview.

IN: Keyless start

This feature allows drivers to start their cars while keeping the key in their pockets or purses. It’s often paired with a keyless access system that allows entry into the car without pushing any buttons on the key fob.

Keyless start systems may pose a danger if you’re not careful: Some owners have forgotten to shut off their cars in attached garages, leading to more than 24 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning since 2006, according to the New York Times. Newer systems do a better job of alerting you if the key moves too far away from the car while the engine is still on.

OUT: Keyed ignition

It’s falling out of favor. In 2008, keyed ignition systems were standard in 89 percent of new cars. Now, they’re in just 38 percent.


Much more: https://wtop.com/consumer-news/2018/10/whats-new-_-and-whats-missing-_-in-your-next-new-car/



This undated photo provided by Mercedes-Benz shows an LCD screen in the 2019 A 220 4Matic Sedan. The screen is an example of a trend: digital gauges replacing analog ones in vehicle instrument panels. Digital gauges are customizable and can display more information than traditional gauges. (Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz via AP)