Over the last decade, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has grown to include more carmakers, which makes sense considering how much technology goes into vehicles nowadays. This year sees some far-fetched concepts as well as several innovations that will be available next year. Understandably, electric vehicles are a huge part of the show along with a slew of new entertainment features.
What Automakers Brought to CES 2024
Honda
Honda unveiled two concepts: The Saloon and the Space-Hub. These wildly futuristic models showcase the company's creativity while also giving us a sneak peek at what to expect in the near-term. The Saloon is a sleek wedge-like passenger EV that prioritizes lightweight construction and an expansive interior. Instead of a traditional steering wheel, the designers went with a yoke that is intended to be steer-by-wire.
The Space-Hub concept has a similar yoke, but that's where the similarities end. This van features a transparent roof, giving passengers the kind of scenic possibilities we'd see in ther observation car of a luxury train. Honda also unveiled a new "H" logo that will debut on the first batch of Honda 0 (zero) Series EVs in 2026.
Hyundai
Hyundai typically unveils a futuristic concept at CES, and this year's isn't even intended for the road. Supernal is Hyundai's Advanced Air Mobility company and brought the S-A2, a tilt-rotor electric four-passenger aircraft. It's designed to fly at 120 mph at 1,500 feet, filling the role of an aerial commuter for city trips up to miles. More impressively, the S-A2 is quiet, with a claim of only 65 decibels at takeoff and 45 db when in level flight. There's no word on if or when we'll see one in the air, but Supernal intends to enter the market in 2028.
Hyundai's HTWO brand also unveiled a bold vision of a hydrogen infrastructure, from production to storage and distribution. The strategy also includes provisions to supply hydrogen for industrial and business applications. It all fits in well with Hyundai's goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
Kia
Kia has been sitting toward the vangaurd of EV tech, and at CES 2024, it pulled the covers off a new series of electric vans with some very clever tricks. The modular platform of the Concept PV5 will allow owners to swap out one body for another with relative ease. That means you can use it as a work van for cargo or services, then switch that body for family duties when needed. Production is slated to begin in 2025 and five bodies will be offered: Basic, Van, High Roof, Robotaxi, and Chassis Cab. A smaller PV1 will follow it to market, along with a larger PV7. The only problem is Kia hasn't decided if it will bring it to the U.S. yet.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz went big at CES, with a ton of new tech and new partnerships, but the scene-stealer is the Concept CLA-Class that was unveiled last fall. This entry-level EV is a real head-turner, with graceful curves, sleek lines, and delectable details. According to Mercedes-Benz, the production version will inherit as much as 70 percent of the concept's traits and has a target range of 400 miles.
Rapper and producer will.i.am went well beyond his role as a brand ambassador and helped develop the new Sound Drive feature. This system uses specially composed music that is influenced by the driver's actions. Drive with some verve and the music swells, with sound effects mixed in. It sounds cheesy, but we actually got to try it out on the road and can attest, it's pretty cool. In essence, you can play DJ by creating your own mix as you whittle away the miles.
Mercedes' praiseworthy MBUX infotainment system is already one of the best, and the new Virtual Assistant takes it to yet another level. Using advanced artificial intelligence (AI), the feature provides more natural human-like interactions via voice and on-screen. It can be linked to your calendar to keep you on time as well as suggest calling into a meeting if you're running late. It also adjusts the voice to better match the operator's mood, whether they're happy or serious.
On the partnership side, Mercedes-Benz joined forces with several companies to deliver more in-car entertainment. Antstream Arcade will bring streaming gaming for when you're charging or making use of the Drive Pilot self-driving feature. Sony Pictures has been brought in to deliver its film library for streaming through the new Ridevu app. Amazon Music and Audible have upped the ante with an immersive sound experience thanks to Dolby Atmos audio. Audiobooks and podcasts will be much more engaging, especially if you try out the "audio movies" that are being produced.
Vinfast
After launching the VF8 in the United States last year, Vietnamese carmaker Vinfast showed its VF Wild electric pickup truck concept at CES 2024. There's no word, however, on whether it will make it into production. This midsize truck concept features rear-hinged rear doors, allowing for a positively massive doorway when both doors are open. Also unveiled was the VF3, a tiny two-door SUV, and it is coming to the U.S. and is aiming for 125 miles of range. It's a charming little ute, but Vinfast's rocky start last year has us cautiously optimistic.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen announced it will integrate ChatGPT AI into its infotainment system, bringing much more power to voice controls. As with systems in BMWs and Mercedes, it will be capable of natural speech commands when you trigger the system by saying, "Hello Ida". Not only can you use it for the typical navigation and feature controls, but also as a tour guide. Want to know about an odd landmark? Just ask. ChatGPT will be available in Volkswagen vehicles later this year, but it's not clear if it will be offered in the U.S.