Navigating Hilarity

During the Consumer Electronics Show, we had a chance to check out a variety of new promoted technologies on various automobiles. As a component of our work within the automotive space, we often drive new vehicles, work with clinic groups that are discussing emerging or future technologies, and so on. In many cases, we can’t talk about the work we’re involved in.

At CES, we can talk about anything, so here’s just one example of the hilarity that is the Detroit auto manufacturer. The new Lincoln MKS is supposed to be a leading edge sedan. The company has sunk huge amounts of dead presidents into not only the development of the car, but the launch and related marketing programs designed to sell it.

Check out the image of the navigation system in this car. It is visually very nice – clear, crisp text and icons make reading this while driving a pleasure. As you motor down the road, you can program the system to have gas stations, restaurants, and other attractions pop up on the screen, so you won’t miss a thing. Magic.

Oops! But wait. In its’ wisdom, Ford decided to not include BLUETOOTH in this Navigation system. You can’t get it. Oh, wait, you can – in late 2008. Hilarious!

If anyone ever wondered why American automobile manufacturers were ready for the scrap heap, this is one of those reasons. Lexus, Mercedes, and even Honda have these guys whipped into a squishy rag of humiliation when it comes to understanding what their customers want. Even worse, as we were next to the car, I heard no fewer than six people say, “what? no V-8? In a Lincoln this big?” Obviously, the Detroit boys will have their work cut out for them. Watch for the MKS to be on sale at 35% off the retail price next Christmas.