Teresa’s View: These are a few of my favorite things from ‘04

Well, here we are again at the end of another year. Once again it’s time to review some of the automotive industry’s innovative designs and latest technologies. Although there’s a lot to choose from — hybrid cars and now trucks and sport-utes, Gadget Central interfaces Bill Gates can’t figure out and a slew of masterwork under the hood — here are some of my favorite things from 2004:

Adaptive Headlights: Although it’s not a new technology — Preston Tucker featured them in his 1940s Tuckers — the idea is making a comeback. The headlights are connected to the steering wheel to turn as the car turns for remarkably clearer nighttime driving.

Advanced Key: Technology has made the ignition switch so last century. Mercedes did it first and now the engineers at Audi came up with a key that only needs to be in the near vicinity of the ignition to start the car. Can the chip implanted in our bodies be that far behind?

Airbags: I know, they aren’t new, but engineers have improved them and more manufacturers are adding the side airbags to their cars and trucks. Do they really work? I’ve spoken with a number of police and paramedics who say airbags make the difference between life and death. Don’t forget to buckle up, they add.

Disappearing Seats: Now you can reconfigure your minivan’s seating arrangements without hefting heavy seats (or storing them). Several minivans include seats that simply fold into the floor until needed. Momma likes that.

Remote Engine Starter: How darned handy as the temperature continues to dip! We tested one on the Chevy Malibu LT Maxx. With a press of a button on the key fob, the car can be warming for that morning commute. If it could only hustle the kids along. Remember, it is illegal to leave your car running and unguarded, even if it is locked.

Sliding Rear Roof: The GMC Envoy XUV incorporates an enormous power roof that slides open to a weatherproof cargo space. A power-sliding window separates the cargo area from the rear seats to keep wind and debris from entering the cabin.

Videos for the Kiddieos: Keeping kids entertained on car trips got worlds easier with the advent of in-car DVD players. If one screen is good, how about two? The Nissan Quest remembered the way-back seat passengers and installed two overhead screens. Other manufacturers are toying with installing screens in the seat backs. In other news on the minivan front, the Mazda MPV now offers rear windows in the sliding doors that actually roll down.