Pub. 4 2015-2016 Issue 2

Fall 2015 11 B RING THE KIDS TO THE 2016 SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW—YOU’LL NEED THEIR GUIDANCE! Millennials, some say, are just not interested in cars like former generations were. They could care less if there is a 3.6-liter whatever-charged engine under the hood. But, they do care about fuel economy, and CO2 emissions. Andwhat really gets them going is what’s behind the dashboard. So it’s not that they don’t love cars, they simply love them for different reasons. They will love them at the 2016 San Diego International Auto Show, running Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015 – Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016 at the San Diego Convention Center. And, if the former generations want to truly understand today’s vehicles, better bring or borrow a teenager for an explanation of all that tech mumbo-jumbo. Not to say that the older (wiser?) generation will not be able to drive future vehicles. Of course that’s not the case. Just like programmable DVD players and remotes, they will be able to handle the basic functions of a car, but they may need the kids or grandkids to explain some of the more advanced technologies. For example, based on what was exhibited at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, some advanced technologies might include: • Autonomous Vehicles - Self-driving cars (perhaps fully autono- mous only under certain circumstances). • Driver Override Systems - Some call this the“Cognitive Vehicle,” or a car that thinks for itself under certain circumstances, mostly related to safety. Think self-braking, collision-avoidance cars, a technology that is already available. But this is likely to expand into other areas of the vehicle, so that your car really “knows” you. For instance, it could adjust your music play list based on previous choices. • Biometric Vehicle Access – No more key fobs to misplace. All you need is your finger (print). Editors note: This could potentially read blood-alcohol levels, too, locking drivers out of their vehicles if necessary, and leading to fewer drunk driving accidents and fatalities. The technology currently exists. • Comprehensive Vehicle Tracking – This one will raise some eyebrows among Big Brother theorists, for sure, but insurance companies and state governments have explored establishing mileage-based fees – you are your own toll booth— that could generate revenue for road repairs and other infrastructure improvements. Insurance companies already have the plug in “black boxes”that track and reward (or not) driving behavior, and this technologywill becomemore prevalent as the fleet turns over. The most fundamental shift, though, and why your kids will understand your car better than you will, is the integration of smart technology, or technology that will allow various devices, both internal and external, to communicate with the car, and each other. Google’s Android platform and Apple’s iOS are leading the charge to make this a reality, and soon, the navigation system in your console could resemble the screen of your smart phone. It’s coming quickly. All good reasons to attend the San Diego International Auto Show. Some 500 of those tech-infused cars will be on display during one of theWest Coast’s largest and most popular auto shows. “It’ll be another fantastic show,” said Kevin Leap, director of the SDIAS. “We’ve worked diligently with automakers throughout the year – we know what they are bringing, it’s a stellar lineup of new products. The show will entertain and amaze. .” Andmixed with the new technology will be features that show attendees have come to enjoy, such as the Eco Center, Ford Family Day, Ride and Drives and more. That is sure to draw the crowds, said Amy Foley, the show’s Marketing and PR Director. “Our auto show is like no other, with its mix of family entertainment and the latest in vehicles and vehicle technology,”said Foley. It’s Foley’s job to make sure that word gets out about the SDIAS and all that it has to offer. “I can’t emphasize enough the respect and appreciation I have for our San Diegomedia family,”said Foley.“When it’s auto show time, everyone – print, broadcast and on line publications – jump in with both feet and provide coverage like nothing I’ve ever seen for any other show. It’s remarkable, and testament to the sense of community here in San Diego.” And the media mix is impressive. In addition to the more than 200 registered journalists that attend the show, a number of TV outlets record special programs aired during prime time, and one (Can we say who? May as well give them a plug for their investment) broadcasts its entire morning show from the show floor. “If you don’t knowabout this show…”said Foley,“well, it’s time that you do.” It all starts when the doors open on Dec. 31st at the San Diego Convention Center. Expect a cornucopia of fun, exciting new cars and trucks, and the very latest in auto technology and entertainment. “We used to say, ‘Come learn about the cars of tomorrow.’”Added Foley. “Truth is, those vehicles are already here. And there’s no better place to learn about them. See you at the show.” SDIAS Dates and Times Thurs., Dec. 31 10 am – 6 pm Fri., Jan. 1, Sat., Jan. 2 10 am – 9 pm Sun., Jan. 3 10 am – 7 pm Ticket Prices Adults (13+) $12.00 Military (with ID) $ 9.00 Seniors (62+) $ 9.00 Child (7-12) $ 8.00** Child (1-6) Free **Children aged 7-12 admitted free on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, when accompanied by an adult. No E-ticket necessary for children aged 12 and under on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016.