Ah, the sweet hum of electric motors, the glow of digital dashboards, and the silent yet thrilling acceleration. PIMS 2024, the Philippine International Motor Show, showcased a leap into the future of automotive technology. If one had traveled back to PIMS 2018 and compared it to the innovations on display this year, it would have felt like a journey of decades, not just six years. Here’s a look at the most groundbreaking car technologies that defined PIMS 2024 and how they eclipsed their 2018 counterparts.
EVs Everywhere: The Dominance of Electric
In 2018, electric vehicles (EVs) had been more of a novelty, with automakers unveiling concept models and a few hybrids. By 2024, however, EVs and sustainability had taken center stage, representing not just the future but the present. Major players such as Toyota, Nissan, Kia, and Isuzu, alongside newer entrants like Changan, MG, and Jetour, presented electrified fleets ranging from compact commuters to luxury SUVs.
The significant shift? Charging infrastructure. The conversations around “range anxiety” and insufficient charging stations were largely resolved by 2024. Thanks to initiatives from both the public and private sectors, ultra-fast charging technology had emerged, allowing for 30-minute charges that provided up to 300 kilometers of range. The next phase of electrification focused on collaboration among brands to enhance charging infrastructure, develop solid-state batteries, and explore wireless charging. The concept of pulling into a garage and having a car charge itself was no longer a distant dream—PIMS 2024 hinted at a future where such technologies became commonplace.
Autonomy: Driver’s Seat Optional
Autonomy transitioned from “cool experiment” to “real-life experience” over the past five years. While PIMS 2018 featured semi-autonomous technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, it was clear that drivers were still very much in control.
By 2024, the industry had made significant strides toward Level 4 autonomy, where cars could navigate urban environments, manage complex intersections, and respond to pedestrians. AI-driven systems, utilizing LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and real-time cloud updates, enabled vehicles to chauffeur passengers safely and efficiently. Remote driving technology also emerged, allowing users to take control of their vehicles via an app for tricky situations or simply to enjoy the driving experience.
Interiors: Screens, Everywhere Screens
The era of conventional dials and knobs faded away. In 2018, digital dashboards were just beginning to gain traction, but by 2024, car interiors resembled the cockpits of spaceships.
Panoramic digital displays now spanned entire dashboards, seamlessly integrating infotainment systems, navigation, and vehicle diagnostics. Holographic heads-up displays (HUDs) projected information directly onto windshields, showing speed, directions, and calls within the driver’s line of sight. These displays included augmented reality (AR), providing real-time visual cues about road hazards, pedestrians, and traffic signs. For anyone accustomed to an 8-inch display in 2018, the advancements at PIMS 2024 were nothing short of astounding.
The In-Car Experience: It’s All About AI
Voice assistants in 2018 were rudimentary, with limited capabilities that often led to frustration. By 2024, however, vehicles began to feature advanced AI copilots that comprehended natural language and integrated seamlessly with all vehicle functions.
Imagine casually saying, “Hey, find me a scenic route home,” and having the car not only suggest beautiful drives but also synchronize with your calendar, provide real-time traffic updates, and adjust climate controls. These AI systems learned from user behavior, remembering preferred seating positions and music choices, and even offering personalized health tips. Some vehicles monitored stress levels via biometric sensors, adjusting cabin lighting and air quality to create a calming environment. This was a far cry from the miscommunications of 2018.
Green is the New Black: Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Sustainability had evolved from a marketing gimmick to a core principle of automotive design. While a few brands in 2018 highlighted recycled materials and lower emissions, PIMS 2024 showcased a new era of eco-conscious manufacturing.
Materials used in vehicles were now bio-based, recycled, or compostable. Companies like Kia and Hyundai led the charge with interiors made from ocean plastics, natural rubber, and plant-based fibers. The push for circular manufacturing meant that materials from today’s cars would be reused in future models, significantly reducing waste. Additionally, some manufacturers began conceptualizing solar-integrated roofs to help charge batteries while driving or parked—a small step toward sustainable mobility.
The Car of Tomorrow, Today
The advancements seen at PIMS 2024 would have seemed like science fiction just five years prior. From electric vehicles dominating the roads to AI copilots that anticipate user needs, the automotive landscape has transformed at an astonishing pace. If this is what 2024 looked like, one can only imagine the innovations that PIMS 2026 will unveil.
As we look ahead, the advice is simple: keep your eyes on the road, but don’t hesitate to let your car take the wheel a little more often. The future of driving promises to be both thrilling and serene, and it is just around the corner.
