The Consumer Electronics Show, er, "International CES," used to be about, well, consumer-grade electronics, but as cars have become more technologically dense — it only makes sense that automakers have started having a bigger presence on the show floor. Last year, we saw Honda introduce some more robotic concepts, the EV-version of Kia’s Niro as a concept and Ford build a city — among other reveals. Oh yeah, and Mercedes-Benz teased the MBUX infotainment system, which started rolling into its cars this year.
While we’re still a few weeks out from the big CES reveals, here’s what we’re already expecting to see:
Audi
Judging from a strange teaser video, and the teaser image you see above, the folks at Audi appear to have partnered with Disney and are going to make an announcement about advanced in-car entertainment. Dubbed “Audi Immersive In-Car Entertainment,” Audi says that you’ll be able to watch movies via streaming services while the car is stationary. Of course, this would transition with the move to autonomous driving when that time comes.
From the image, it looks like movies will be projected onto the windshield, offering a drive-in like experience. But we don't know how it works for sure until Audi shows it off during CES.
Honda
For the ’19 CES, Honda is showing off an autonomous off-roader called the “Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle.” It was designed by Honda’s American R&D team to to help with rough terrain work like you’d find on a construction site or while firefighters are battling a wildfire.
Of course, Honda won’t show up with just an autonomous ATV — you should still expect a few robots. Even though Honda killed the Asimo robot, the company will still push forward with robots designed to make everyday life easier. (Ed. Note: I for one welcome our robot overlords)
Mercedes-Benz
Days ahead of the Detroit auto show, Mercedes-Benz will pull the sheets off its new CLA-Class sedan. Likely based on the bones of the new A-Class, the new CLA will be more swoopy and styled than the new entry-point into the Mercedes brand. Styling aside, it’s safe to assume that all of the slick tech found on the A-Class will make its way to the new CLA.
That means you’ll be able to see MBUX in person, in a car, in the same place where it debuted a year ago as a concept — an honest example of how fast technology is integrating into modern cars.
Nissan
It’s looking like Nissan will show off the Nissan Leaf E-Plus at this year’s CES. The long-range Leaf was slated to debut at this year’s LA Auto Show but was a casuality of Nissan’s Carlos Ghosn’s arrest — Nissan didn’t want the Leaf E-Plus to get overshadowed by the arrest of its chairman.
Moving the Leaf E-Plus’s reveal to CES makes sense for CES, too, since the vehicle will continue the push for longer range EV’s reaching the price point of average consumers — seems like a perfect fit for the show.
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