Car interiors should offer drivers and passengers comfort, safety and entertainment. Technological progress makes it possible to improve these features in terms of both quantity and quality. Which aspects should car manufacturers focus on in order to increase the attractiveness of their products?
With growing technological progress, car manufacturers are faced with the challenge of offering their customers a vehicle experience that goes beyond pure performance figures. Increasing importance is being placed on the so-called user experience, i.e. the way the driver and passengers feel during the journey. In this blog article, we take a look at the latest innovations and technologies that are revolutionizing vehicle interiors.
1. interior lighting: more than just on and off
Traditional interior lighting often has the disadvantage that it dazzles when driving at night or restricts driving comfort. They also lack the ability to take individual preferences into account. However, there are now systems that enable better visibility and can help to improve safety. Ambilight functions can also significantly increase the well-being of the occupants.
2. in-car gaming and advanced entertainment systems
Entertainment systems are playing an increasingly important role in cars, especially on long journeys. The available options include not only audio systems that can be used to listen to music and podcasts, but also video and gaming solutions. The latest developments include the integration of augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR) glasses. However, it is essential that such offerings are linked to the provision of stable broadband connections.
3. voice control and intelligent assistants
Another exciting field is voice control. It offers enormous potential to make the interaction between driver and vehicle more intuitive and safer. However, current systems still often reach their limits when it comes to recognizing dialects or unclear pronunciation. The solution lies in the further development of natural language processing (NLP), which enables context-related and multilingual control.
4 Connectivity and data protection
As vehicle connectivity increases, so do the requirements for stable data connections. Frequent disconnections between cars and smartphones or other smart devices are a strain on passengers' nerves and can damage the brand image. In addition, vehicle buyers' concerns about cyber attacks on connected vehicles must be taken into account and the security of over-the-air (OTA) updates, for example, must be guaranteed.
5. health and well-being: Vehicles as wellness zones
One interesting trend is the integration of technologies designed to improve the well-being of car occupants. These include sensors for monitoring vital parameters such as heart rate or breathing rhythm. This data can be used to recognize the level of alertness and fatigue, warn the driver of microsleep or make suggestions for breaks.
Implementing innovations cost-effectively
Of course, such additional functionalities are also associated with increased costs. Car manufacturers must therefore carefully consider which features they want to integrate and how they can develop them cost-effectively. One option is to work with external partners who have the necessary expertise. Through project-based collaboration, manufacturers can save costs and still benefit from highly qualified personnel.
One example of this is the EDAG Group, which has extensive experience in both user experience and the development of IT security solutions in and around the vehicle. It brings together experts from different disciplines who work both on the development of the various solutions and on seamless integration so that the functions fit harmoniously into the overall system.
EDAG engineers are not only working on current technologies, but also on innovations for future vehicle generations. One particularly forward-looking project in connection with autonomous driving is the FlexiSteer concept. This innovative steering wheel will not only be used to control the vehicle, but will also take over various infotainment and assistance functions.
What the future could bring in the car cockpit is one thing - what is already possible today and what customers want is another...
Vehicle interior as an innovation platform
The development of vehicle interiors is full of innovations. From lighting and voice assistants to entertainment systems - the focus is on improving the user experience, i.e. the appeal of the brand from a day-to-day perspective, for example when the interior of a vehicle is perceived as a comfort zone for the driver and passengers.
With the support of experienced partners such as the EDAG Group, car manufacturers can ensure that they continue to meet the increasing demands of their customers and remain competitive in the future.
Do you also have plans to upgrade the interior of your car to improve the comfort, safety and well-being of the vehicle occupants? Then talk to our expert Barbara Goldstein, Sales Manager Electrics/Electronics at EDAG Engineering. Or download our white paper "Your car - your friend?" right here for more details on innovative interior concepts. 
