THE CONSUMERS’ BIBLE - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1837

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week features Jake Fisher, Director of Automotive Testing at Consumer Reports, discussing the organization's findings on automotive infotainment systems. The core takeaway is that while consumers desire advanced infotainment features, these systems are currently the biggest source of problems in new vehicles, often due to malfunctions rather than user error. Younger drivers are more likely to report issues, as they utilize more complex features. However, automakers are showing rapid improvement in fixing these systems over subsequent model years. The discussion also touches upon the challenges of integrating complex technology into vehicles with long life cycles, contrasting it with the rapid evolution of smartphones. The potential of offboard systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is highlighted as a game-changer, simplifying the user experience by leveraging familiar smartphone interfaces. The segment also briefly covers safety features, noting that forward collision warning with braking is a life-saver, while lane departure warnings can be annoying. The conversation concludes with a look at autonomous driving, with a caution against 'texting enablers' and a preference for either full autonomy or complete driver control. Tesla's Model S is noted for its high owner satisfaction and average reliability, earning a high test score due to its driving dynamics.