Fancy driving a car in which everything - including the car's steering, throttle and brakes - are operated through a handheld PlayStation-like device? Well, you'll have to wait till the year 2015, when General Motors rolls out its very high-tech concept car called the Hy-wire.

The Hy-wire, first unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, is at the cutting-edge of technology as far as automotives are concerned. It features PlayStation-style handgrips for steering, plus brakes and an accelerator that work electronically instead of via pressure from the driver's foot. In addition to a lack of floor pedals, the Hy-wire also has no internal-combustion engine; it's powered by environmentally friendly fuel cell technology (Source: Wired.com). Named for the Drive-by-Wire technology it uses to replace conventional steering, accelerating and transmission controls, the Hy-wire has electronic wires in its chassis instead of mechanical parts. Pressing buttons on the PlayStation-style control device will send an electronic signal along these wires rather than activating a physical connection to the engine or brakes.

The Hy-wire's unique skateboard-like chassis is proving to be a significant advance in interchangeable parts. This design allows Hy-wire's body to be quickly removed and replaced with another. Wouldn't it be great, after owning it a few years, to be able to change your Hy-wire's body with any new snap-on body in any color or style you like, just like mobile phones?

Just when you thought the Hy-wire is too futuristic a concept for you, consider the many possible mind-blowing technologies that could be present in the cars of tomorrow:

• Active safety systems that keep a lookout for danger using radar and cameras as opposed to passive protection such as airbags
• Keyless credit-card style entry systems - keys are going the way of the dodos!
• A computer-like screen mounted on the dash which displays a navigation system that provides directions, maps, and information on hotels, hospitals, and restaurants using a global positioning satellite and onboard DVDs
• Wi-Fi connectivity which automatically provides the weather, news, sports scores, e-mail and other information such as traffic levels on the roads
• Cameras to help parents keep an eye on their kids and help drivers detect blinds spots (Source: BusinessWeek Online)

Who knows, maybe cars of the 21st century will even be able to drive themselves!

Let's Get Down To Business...
Think out of the box! The car is no longer just a car; it's a necessary part of our everyday lives. Since it's so useful, you should make it even more useful for consumers by adding extra functionality and features. And this is by no means restricted to cars only.

With the trend of cars increasingly being equipped with the latest technologies and functionalities, it wouldn't hurt to be the provider of such services. For example, you can take advantage of this trend by marketing info-on-demand services, Wi-Fi systems, or special cameras for use in vehicles. As the demand for concept cars grows, so should your business!

Related Ideas & Trends
http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/adv_tech/400_fcv
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hy-wire.htm
http://www.wired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,63467,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_6