4 Automotive Features That Are Designed For Families
Automakers have stacked their chips behind families. Cars, trucks, and SUVs are rolling off the factory floors equipped with more family-friendly features than ever. Some are designed to provide more safety. Others provide new levels of convenience. Still others deliver entertainment options that would have flabbergasted our grandparents.
Automobiles have evolved from mere transportation machines into homes away from home while we’re on the road. Here are four family-friendly automotive features that are likely to be installed in your next vehicle.
#1 – Rear View Cameras
The bigger your vehicle, the more difficult it is to see people, pets, and objects behind you when backing up. Hundreds of back-over deaths over the years have motivated auto manufacturers to install rear view cameras into their fleets. The camera is usually integrated into a vehicle’s bumper, though you’ll occasionally see them installed into the tailgate. A monitor is fitted into the dashboard. Rather than having to struggle in order to check whether the rear is clear, you can view real-time video on the monitor.
#2 – Swiveling Seats
SUVs and minivans were originally designed to fit families comfortably. Even though they offered more space and seating area, passengers were forced to sit facing forward. A few years ago, the designers at Chrysler introduced a new idea: swiveling seats. The seats allow passengers in the front of the vehicle to swivel their chairs around to face the rear. That flexibility gave parents the opportunity to talk easily with their kids rather than looking over their shoulders.
#3 – Rear Entertainment Systems
Automotive entertainment systems have been integrated into vehicles for years. They debuted in SUVs, but can now be installed into cars, trucks, and minivans. Their purpose is to keep children entertained while families are on the road. Display monitors are usually installed into the ceiling of the automobile. They fold down and allow kids to watch DVDs or play video games. For parents who would rather listen to the stereo, the audio from these systems can be piped through headphones.
#4 – An Additional Row Of Seats
Automakers created minivans and SUVs in response to increasing demand for extra seating space. Eventually, they began to equip their vehicles with a third row of seats. Due to space limitations, you’re unlikely to find this feature in cars, but you will find extra rows in a growing number of SUVs (minivans are not as popular as they once were). The feature was originally designed to accommodate families, but has since been used to support carpools.
The demand for large-capacity family-friendly vehicles has waned slightly as gas prices have risen over the past two years. But, the demand will always be there. Consumers with families will continue to expect automakers to deliver features that offer more convenience, safety, and entertainment value.
