What Took So Long? Automakers Finally Figure Out People Will Line Up And Open Their Wallets For The Latest In High Tech

The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was packed with technology: a touchscreen loaded with apps, Bluetooth, all-wheel drive and push-button start. The Nissan had none of those. Fine did what any self-respecting father would do: He ditched the 4-year-old Nissan SUV for his own Grand Cherokee.

“Compared to the Xterra, this is a comfortable space shuttle,” said Fine, who lives in Hingham, Mass.

Upgrade envy has helped Apple Inc. sell millions of pricey iPhones. Now, it’s the auto industry’s turn, thanks to a raft of new technologies that make cars safer and easier to drive. Must-have features like parking assist and wireless Web access have helped automakers recover from the 2009 bust and charge record prices for their vehicles.

Agent009 - 2/24/2015 1:34:49 PM

-4 Boost

Uh Audi figured this out 6 years ago. When everyone else played it safe with minor refreshes, Audi started rolling out a flurry of new models.

When shoppers did start buying again they were the only luxury player that had totally new models on the showroom not rehashes of what was already in their driveway.

The consumer had something they could drive that was totally new compared to the Jones's. Now the Jones's wanted one too

Envy is a powerful tool

jeffgall - 2/24/2015 2:51:44 PM

+2 Boost

Not with the A4. After having 3 A4s, the last two being the same (2009 and 2012), when my lease was up and I didn't want a 3rd of the same, I started looking at different manufactures. In the end, my dealer worked aggressively to get me in an A6 for very little more.

TheSteve - 2/24/2015 2:18:47 PM

+2 Boost

While I'm confident that some people buy a car for the latest gadgets, I don't know how much of the buying population that represents. The problem with coming to that conclusion is that all other things aren't equal, so there's no way to know if it's the latest tech that's attracting buyers, or any of the many other contributing factors.

CarCrazedinCali - 2/24/2015 4:43:10 PM

+1 Boost

Some buy feature focused brands (Acura, Lexus, Kia, Hyundai buyers) and some buy driving Dynamics focused brands (BMW, Porsche, MINI)

mpls - 2/25/2015 7:18:09 PM

+1 Boost

"Uh Audi figured this out 6 years ago. When everyone else played it safe with minor refreshes, Audi started rolling out a flurry of new models.."

Audi option list is long, most Audis sold are base or near base.. most are front wheel drive .. Audi has traded on marketing and slghtly better interior than an equivalent VW.
The ony bit you are correct on is the envy.. the hype created from its marketng and options list ha sthat effect on peoe wanting an Audi no matter what... on average !!

mpls - 2/25/2015 7:26:40 PM

+1 Boost

Audi are the king of minor refreshes, how is bringng out the sanme cars with slighty modified rear light clusters, front DRL innovation ?

leej - 2/26/2015 5:15:30 PM

+1 Boost

Audi is the Mr. Potato Head of Auto designers...just take different sized potatoes, put 4 rings on them, then just make the headlights and taillights slimmer/more elongated each year. VOILA! New design!