8 Tech Highlights from Automakers at CES 2024: VinFast Impresses with Wild Pickup Concept and VF 3

The Consumer Electronics Show CES 2024 (held in Las Vegas, USA) concluded successfully after 4 days (9 – 12 January), with the participation of about 3,500 companies from 150 countries. CES 2024 showcases the most advanced future technology ideas from manufacturers. This year, car manufacturers introduced many concept cars, as well as new technologies that can be applied in the future. Here are the highlighted concept cars at CES 2024.

Honda Space-Hub and Saloon EV

At CES 2024, Honda introduced two concept cars called Space-Hub and Saloon EV. These are part of the development plan for the Zero Series high-tech electric vehicles, expected to debut as early as 2026. Although Honda did not provide specific details about these two cars, the company stated that their new battery platform will have a higher energy density than the GM Ultium battery in the Prologue electric SUV debuting later this year.

In terms of technology, Honda stated that Space-Hub and Saloon EV would have more advanced driver-assistance features to better handle driving tasks in urban and highway environments. Honda also mentioned that they are researching seat arrangements to provide maximum comfort for customers while upgrading the suspension system’s capabilities.

Afeela

Honda also introduced a brand-new fully electric coupe model called Afeela. This product is developed through the collaboration of Honda and Sony, incorporating many modern technologies appearing on cars for the first time. The coupe will officially debut in 2025, before going into production and reaching customers from early 2026.

Afeela attracts special attention thanks to its multiple new technologies. Stretching across the dashboard are screens for various purposes, from driving modes, entertainment information, to in-car settings. The rear passengers also have their own screens. The autonomous features are supported by a system consisting of 45 Sony sensors inside and outside the car, with cameras, radar, and lidar for safety and semi-autonomous driving systems. Moreover, the Sony-Honda joint venture also cooperates with Microsoft to develop an intelligent virtual assistant for this model.

VinFast Wild Pickup Concept and VF 3

At CES 2024, Vietnamese electric car manufacturer VinFast surprised everyone by bringing the Wild Pickup Concept – a mid-size electric pickup truck with dimensions equivalent to a Ford Ranger. This pickup model impresses with its smart design, increasing the length of the cargo bed from 1.5m to 2.4m to enhance cargo capacity.

The VF 3 is a compact electric car with a square shape resembling the Suzuki Jimny. The second row of seats can be folded flat, providing a spacious cargo space of about 1.85m2, larger than most sedan trunks. VinFast VF 3 is suitable for urban travel with a range of nearly 300km on a full charge. The small size of the vehicle and its small battery make it easy to charge using household electricity.

BMW car with integrated handheld game console

BMW’s new OS 9 operating system includes a wireless Bluetooth gamepad that allows the owner and other passengers to play games while parked and charging. BMW also announced that their new streaming capability (through a partnership with Tivo) will display content based on the car’s estimated charging time.

What’s more interesting, particularly for the driver, BMW is advertising its partnership with Meta regarding the use of XR (mixed reality) glasses. The carmaker claims that wearing XR glasses can provide more enhanced information and safety features than a traditional screen system. However, BMW also notes that using smart glasses while the car is in motion may cause some people to feel nauseous.

ChatGPT integrated into Volkswagen cars

Volkswagen is bringing artificial intelligence into its cars by integrating the ChatGPT language chatbot. This voice assistant is called Ida and will be officially launched in the second half of 2024 on the ID.7 and ID.4 car models.

With ChatGPT installed, the voice assistant in Volkswagen cars will quickly recognize and respond to various driver requests, from adjusting the temperature inside the car to providing directions to the nearest restaurant.

In terms of security, VW guarantees that the voice assistant will not have access to the car’s data. At the same time, the command, question, and answer contents will be immediately deleted to ensure “the highest information security” for customers.

Entertainment features on Mercedes-Benz’s “Hyperscreen”

Mercedes-Benz is one of the first brands to cover the entire curved LCD screen on the control panel (called the “Hyperscreen”). Now, the company announces that it will provide content for that screen and other screens through partnerships with Amazon, Audible, and other services. First and foremost, the sound quality will be “immersive,” delivered through Dolby Atmos with optional Burmester 4D or 3D surround sound systems.

In addition, customers will be able to play games in their Mercedes cars thanks to a partnership with a company called Antstream Arcade, including classic games from Nintendo, Sega, and Atari, as well as watch movies and TV shows through Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Kia’s versatile electric trucks

At CES 2024, Kia introduced a series of new versatile truck products, capable of transforming into no fewer than five versions. The first model to be sold will be the Kia PV5. Depending on the usage needs, PV5 can be transformed into a passenger vehicle, a cargo vehicle, or a camper. The most special feature of these models is the ability to customize the rear compartment. The flexible frame only fixes the driver’s seat position. The rest of the rear area can be adjusted through mechanical joints and some electronic fixed points.

S-A2 – Hyundai’s new flying car

Supernal – a subsidiary of Hyundai, introduced their latest generation flying car called S-A2 eVTOL. This eVTOL vehicle can carry 4 people at the same time, with a maximum flying speed of 290 km/h and a maximum range of 65 km on a full charge. Notably, the battery of this flying car has the ability to fast charge in just 5-7 minutes. The manufacturer states that S-A2 is designed to serve urban mobility, thus, it is designed to have only half the noise of a conventional fuel-powered helicopter.

Thai Son (Tuoitrethudo)

References: Inverse