Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

8 Auto Tech Trends to Watch in 2019

Manufacturers are adding increasingly cutting-edge technology options to their vehicles, and the coming year should bring additional options to enhance safety and integrate smartphones.

December 12, 2018
8 Auto Tech Trends to Watch in 2019

Digital instrumentation such as Audi's Virtual Cockpit (shown on 2018 A5 Sportback) has become an increasingly offered technology option.

Photo courtesy of Audi.

3 min to read


Manufacturers are adding increasingly cutting-edge technology options to their vehicles, and the coming year should bring additional options to enhance safety and integrate smartphones, according to the editors at Autotrader, who have released their list of the Best New Automotive Technology for 2019.

"From surround-view cameras to steering avoidance, new technology features can give drivers a better look at what's around them or extra help to prevent collisions," said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. "Car buyers can find many of these technology options in every segment, from sub-compact cars to full-size SUVs, making it worth checking closely to see what's available across different models and brands."

Ad Loading...

Autotrader's Best New Automotive Technology for 2019:

High-Resolution, Surround-View Cameras

Surround-view cameras are moving from luxury vehicles into mainstream sedans and family SUVs, including vehicles from Chevrolet and Nissan. These cameras can improve visibility outside of the vehicle to minimize blind spots and assist with parking. They also can be used inside the vehicle to keep an eye on back-seat passengers. Traditionally low-res feeds also are now being replaced with crisp, clean, high-res imagery.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Many automakers are now offering a better way to connect your smartphone to the vehicle's infotainment screen, allowing you to take advantage of your apps, contacts and music. Chief among the benefits is the ability to use smartphone navigation apps. A few automakers, such as BMW, also are offering the connection wirelessly.

Wireless Charging

Tired of keeping track of those charging cords? New smartphones from Google, Apple and Samsung offer wireless charging capability. Automakers, including Honda, Hyundai, Ford and Toyota, have taken note and now offer a standard or optional feature to wirelessly charge devices through charging pads, typically in the center console.

App-Based Vehicle Control

Taking even greater advantage of your smartphone, automakers are increasingly allowing you to interact with your vehicles remotely using a mobile app. Honk the horn, flash the lights, start the car or monitor the area around your vehicle — all from the app. Tesla is a leader in this segment, while Buick, Chevrolet, BMW, Lincoln, Volvo and others offer their own solutions. Most are free or require a small monthly subscription fee.

Ad Loading...

Steering Avoidance

As we move closer to a fully automated future, new features inch closer to that reality. Vehicles from Volvo, Lexus and others can be had with steering avoidance systems able to automatically swerve to miss objects in the road ahead or keep your car centered in the lane.

Digital Gauges

Digital gauges in some models are replacing static, physical gauges to create a dynamic screen for sharing more relevant and customizable information. Audi's Virtual Cockpit system is one of the leading designs in the industry, but more mainstream automakers, including Ford and Mazda, have adopted their own variations of the digital gauge cluster as well. These gauges can provide a better view of vehicle behavior and performance, such as fuel efficiency, and also can incorporate navigation directions.

Road Scanning

A more advanced feature found in luxury lines, road scanning uses cameras to search the road ahead for imperfections and automatically adjust the vehicle's suspension to account for them. Mercedes-Benz's Magic Body Control is among the leaders in this area. While not widely available yet, road scanning systems can deliver a smoother, quieter ride and should be considered for high-end vehicles.

Semi-Autonomous Driving

While we're still years from a vehicle that can drive itself without any human input, semi-autonomous driving features that compensate for human error are becoming more commonplace. The most noteworthy development in this area is Cadillac's Super Cruise system, which can pilot the vehicle at speeds of zero to 85 miles per hour, allowing the driver to take their hands off the wheel. Tesla and other automakers have their own versions of this technology, and more automakers are expected to introduce their own versions in the very near future.

More Vehicle Research

Two Fiat Topolino models shown on a bluff.
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownJuly 9, 2026

What Should We Make of the Fiat Topolino?

This atypical low-speed vehicle is coming to the U.S. It's smaller than a Smart Fortwo and starts at $13,995.

Read More →
Graphic announcing the 2026 Autofleet Optimizers Awards winners, featuring headshots of leaders from USPS, DPD UK, Zipcar, Karmo, Dollaride, and Kari Ride Hailing.
Mobilityby News/Media ReleaseJuly 9, 2026

USPS, Zipcar, DPD UK, and Others Named Winners of The Optimizers Awards 2026

USPS, Zipcar, DPD UK, and other fleet organizations were recognized in the 2026 Optimizers Awards for initiatives involving route optimization, automation, AI, and fleet utilization.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs showing 2026 versus 2025 fleet sales.
Vehicle Researchby Martin RomjueJuly 8, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Contribute To June, YTD Gains

The fleet sector has boosted its vehicle purchases at a reliable pace in the first half of this year compared with 1H 2025.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cherry blossoms frame James Madison University's Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia, host site for the Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit & Expo (MAATSE).
Vehicle Researchby StaffJuly 1, 2026

Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit to Explore Fleet Fuels, Infrastructure, and Transportation Innovation

Fleet Forward Conference expands collaboration with Clean Cities organizations as part of a broader effort to connect fleet leaders with emerging transportation technologies and strategies.

Read More →
Graphic featuring an American flag and the text "10 Vehicles That Have Defined American Fleets" with Automotive Fleet branding and a gold "250" anniversary graphic.
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellJune 30, 2026

America's 250th Birthday: Vehicles That Kept the Country Moving Over the Years

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Automotive Fleet looks back at 11 vehicles that helped shape commercial transportation.

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast logo for episode 3
Vehicle ResearchJune 29, 2026

Can AI Really Make Fleet Drivers Safer?

Chris Brown and Wheels rep David Glines discuss how AI is reshaping safety for fleet drivers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
GMC Sierra in desert
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownJune 26, 2026

GMC Previews Redesigned 2027 Sierra 1500 with New V8 Engines, Expanded Technology

The next-generation Sierra arrives later this year with new powertrains, a fully redesigned cabin, and trims aimed at the premium end of the full-size pickup segment.

Read More →
Yellow Slate pickup truck on a platform.
Green Fleetby Martin RomjueJune 26, 2026

Slate Debuts Colorful, Unique EV Models

A recent media and client event, studded with electric vehicles dressed up on platforms, planted a new position for the manufacturer in the wider EV market. Fleets will find cost-saving advantages.

Read More →
Yellow Slate Fastback on a raised platform in a warehouse.
Green Fleetby Martin RomjueJune 25, 2026

Slate Electric SUV, Pickup Switchable Model Aims For Light-Duty Fleets

Everything about this EV is counterintuitive and understated, making it stand out from the crowd.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Profile view of Polestar 3
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownJune 25, 2026

Polestar Barred from U.S. Market Under Connected Vehicle Rule

The automaker loses its authorization to sell new vehicles in the U.S., starting with the 2027 model year. Polestar owners will retain access to the brand's service network.

Read More →