Luxury automobile makers roll out unique features

To be successful, automakers must combine reliability, aesthetic appeal, efficiency and more in each car. While some groups, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, feel automakers should be more focused on creating features to lower emissions and improve gas efficiency, manufacturers seem to market more toward flashy and unique car accessories.By considering which types of technological advances should be priority, some automakers are finding ways to create incredible designs.Infinitis impressive new featureThe Los Angeles Times reports automakers, especially those of luxury vehicles, have been trying to create unique ways to grab the attention of the average consumer. One of the newest features, the news source reports, was recently announced by Nissan, for its luxury line, Infiniti.According to the source, Infiniti has improved its roadside assistance programming, giving owners unlimited access to a live support team, 24 hours a day. The support team provides everything from sports scores to driving directions and restaurant reservations.The feature allows owners to access the service via cell phone when not inside of the car. While other brands offer comparable services, the news source notes Infiniti will be the first to offer this class of support for free.Other brands pick up the paceThe news source notes how automakers like BMW and Hyundai offer features that could be categorized in a similar fashion to Nissans new features. For example, Hyundais Equus sedan offers impressive technical support, along with an iPad instead of a car maintenance manual. Additionally, BMW offers free car maintenance for the first four years after purchase.”The brands tend to offer things based on their strengths,” said auto-industry consultant Dan Hall to the news source. “Lexus doesnt offer years of maintenance because they are known for being reliable. But BMW is known as Break My Wallet, so they had to do something.”Alternative features with illusive functionsSome manufacturers are truly thinking outside of the box when creating new and enticing features for their cars. Forbes recently did a piece on odd-named car features that had hit the market over the past few years.Forbes ranked the strangest to be the “Openometer” feature, which comes standard in all Mini Coopers. The feature is a dial on the dashboard that keeps track of how much time the driver has spent with the top down.