TheStar's Top Ten Car Innovations

Innovations have been made not just for improvement but to create difference as well. Every automaker is working to deliver a good innovation to provide the customers the utmost in service and customer satisfaction. It has also been a strategy to keep the company surging through the years.

So, would you be interested to know what innovations had happened for the past years? A list of top ten car innovations has been featured by thestar.co.za. Check out the following:

1. Airbag – was invented in the US in 1951 by John W. Hetrick, a former naval engineer. The key component is a ball-in-tube sensor for crash detection, which has been invented by Allen K. Breed. In 1967, such innovation was marketed to Chrysler. In 1971, Ford built an experimental fleet of cars with airbags. In November 1973, General Motors made it available to the general public. In 1980s, it was re-introduced, though problems persist. At the same period, new ideas were discovered, so the side airbag were introduced and eventually offered in the Volvo 850.
2. Safety Belt – was invented in the 1800s by George Cayley, a prolific engineer and pioneer of aeronautical engineering. In 1913, Adolphe Pegoud, the first pilot to fly upside down, introduced it first to aircraft. The seat belts were made standard in Saab GT 750 as the model was introduced at the New York motor show in 1958. Since then, it became a prominent and basic feature to all sorts of vehicles through time.
3. Immobiliser – early models of this technology worked through preventing ignition, unless a static code in the ignition key was recognized by a radio-frequency identification checked to match the vehicle’s engine control unit. With the use of rolling codes or advanced cryptography, later model have tried to block the ability to copy the code. Advanced model was able to detect incorrect code match and use satellite or cellphone communication to alert a security firm.
4. Navigation Systems or GPS – acquires data in locating the user on the unit’s map database with the use of a Global Positioning Service (GPS). It hasn’t been certain whether who really created this technology. In 1981, Alpine claimed the invention of the first automotive navigation system. In 1983, Honda claimed the first navigation system, which was made available in the 1990 Acura Legend. In 1990, Pioneer claimed the first GPD-based auto navigation system.
5. Anti-lock brakes – first developed in 1929 for aircraft. In 1930s, Bosch and Mercedes Benz held it under development. In 1978, the first completely electronic 4-wheel ABS system was installed in the Mercedes Benz S-Class. In 1986, BMW was the first to make it as standard equipment. After several upgrades, some models can now incorporate traction control, brake assist and electronic stability control.
6. Cruise Control – James Walt and Matthew Boulton’s Peerless technology have originally designed this technology to be used in locomotives in 1788. In 1910s, a centrifugal governing speed control has been used in automobiles. In 1945, Ralph Teetor designed the modern concept of speed control. The 1958 Chrysler Imperial was the first car to use Teetor’s system.
7. Hybrid – The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PVEC) can be recharged by connecting to an electrical source, as the vehicle is powered by an internal combustion engine and batteries. Based on theory, the convertion of traditional automobile to a PHEV would contribute to a greener environment, which helps in lessening the dependence on petroleum and eventually reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This technology is yet in production, but Toyota, Ford and General Motors proclaimed their plan to introduce such later.
8. Turbo Charger – Swiss engineer Alfred Buchi applied for a petent for his internal combustion turbocharger in 1905. Initially, it was applied to aircraft engine. In 1952, Fred Agabashian made its first use in automobile, specifically in the Indianapolis 500. From then until 1970s, the technology was mainly used for sports car. In 1976, Saab developed a turbo engine with reliability and durability necessary for everyday use.
9. Convertible – by default, this was the original model for automobile. In 1910, Cadillac invented the first closed-body car. The peak of the popularity of convertibles were in 1950s and 60s. Later, it disappeared in the US since there has been new regulations regarding rollover safety requirements. But, in Europe, the production continued. In 1980s, Chrysler LeBaron and Saab 900 were introduced, which turns out to be somewhat a resurgence of the popularity of convertibles in US.
10. Windscreen Wipers – J H Apjohn invented the method of moving two vertical brushed up and down on a glass windshield in 1903. In 1905, there has been an application of patent for the windshield wiper swinging arm. Jozef Hofmann, a world famous-concert pianist, designed the first windscreen wiper. In 1969, the first intermittent wipers were introduced. Later in the 20th century, rain-sensing windshield wipers were seen in various models.

Those are only the top ten. You could share your own favorites and let us know how important they are for you.