Courtesy of Land Rover
Approach Angle - A Cold War Approaches
By Budd Stanley, photo courtesy of Land Rover
I am always looking at the future of the automobile. One, because cars and 4WD’s are my passion. Two, because the automotive industry is steadily changing, evolving and creating new innovative vehicles, technology, and even the way we transport and entertain ourselves within the automobile.
That’s why I got into this business 15-years ago, the automotive industry was on the cusp of exciting new changes and evolutions and I wanted to be a part of it. New millennium styling was taking shape, performance figures were going through the roof, and the advent of alternative fuels and mass produced electric vehicles was just around the corner.
Today however, when I take the mass of information that I am privy to and look into my automotive crystal ball, I don’t particularly like what I see coming. The mighty computer chip is slowly taking the act, skill and pleasure of driving out of the human’s hands. Like a cheesy line from a Schwarzenegger movie - the rise of the machines is upon us. Several car manufacturers will have fully autonomous vehicles ready for sale in a little over a year, and with that single act, several very serious repercussions will come.
While the issue that 4WD makers may someday stop building vehicles that we can actually drive ourselves really sucks, but there is a bigger picture to look at. As autonomous vehicles become the norm, the driver (or job of) will not be required, and may possibly even become a legal liability in the future. So, while our hobby may be at stake, what really scares me is the effects this can pose on the economy. If software takes over from the human driver, jobs are going to be lost. Think about it, every truck driver, taxi driver, courier, bus driver and even the pizza boy will be replaced with cheaper technology. And why stop there, train conductors, ship captains, airline pilots, ski hill groomers and heavy equipment operators are all threatened as well. Just some food for thought.
Could cars become just another soulless electronic device we require to get through the day? I think that danger does exist, but it always has. We’ve seen the rise and fall of muscle cars, sports cars and utilitarian off-roaders. However, nameplates like Raptor, ZR2, TRD Pro and Rubicon continue to grow. So, as long as there are auto enthusiasts to sell vehicles to, manufacturers will make a product for them.
Speaking of the future, I’m sorry to say this will be my last issue at the helm of 4WDrive magazine. It has been a great pleasure being able to immerse myself in the passions I love and turn them into a career, however this particular chapter of my life will have to come to an end as I take the next step. But don’t worry… or be too happy… as I won’t be going far, and you will still see my name in these pages.
Until we meet again, save and restore old vehicles, get out and drive them, explore Canada’s wilderness and most importantly - happy wheeling my friends.