Just around the corner is the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). For those of you who are not big on technology, it is easily one of the biggest events of the year.
This is where consumer electronics companies come to drop their game changing products. And as we've been keen on pointing out over the past, I don't know, five to seven years, it's become a growing home from the automakers. In fact, we think this is one of the primary reasons why the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) has had its relevancy take a hit.
Thinking ahead to this year's CES got us churning a bit.
Although there was a bit of screen envy for a while there, it seems that consumer's expectations have shifted. The focus isn't on screens so much anymore. Now it's become all about Autopilot.
Buyer's are seeking vehicles with practical semi-autonomous features. While no manufacturer is at level five just yet, consumers are deeply fascinated by Tesla's Autopilot. Not only does it have the best branding, which could be a legal liability, but it can also change lanes simply by driver's engaging the blinker.
That said, we've got to ask: With Tesla generating SO much buzz for its Autopilot function, has it essentially STOLEN sales from other auto manufacturers as customers believe IT is the only super advanced cruise control on the market today?