Edmunds and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the producer of CES, have announced six of the seven winners of the inaugural Edmunds CES Tech Driven Awards. The awards recognize the automakers at CES that have developed the most forward-thinking vehicles and technology features available for car buyers to purchase in 2018. The seventh award category honors the most transformative new concept vehicle or automotive technology announced at CES, and the winner will be named during the show.
“CES has become a premier venue for automakers to debut and showcase their most progressive visions for the future of mobility,” said Alistair Weaver, Edmunds vice president of editorial and editor-in-chief. “The winners of the Edmunds CES Tech Driven Awards represent some of the most innovative thinking in automotive and celebrate the technologies that are transforming personal transportation.”
The winners of the 2018 Edmunds CES Tech Driven Awards are:
- Most Innovative Car: Honda Clarity
With options including pure electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell models, the 2018 Honda Clarity provides flexibility when it comes to alternative fuel choices, and proves that innovative design can push the industry further toward a future using renewable energy. - Most Innovative Truck: Ford F-150
In a category not typically known for tech features, the sophisticated 2018 Ford F-150 flips the script with advanced driver assistance features, adaptive powertrain calibration and the Sync 3 infotainment system. - Most Innovative SUV: Honda CR-V
The 2018 Honda CR-V offers advanced driver assistance technologies and active safety features at an affordable price point, a rarity among SUVs. Coupled with other outstanding features such as a deftly balanced ride and handling, class-leading fuel economy, and a large and clever storage space, the CR-V is a winner. - Most Innovative Driver Assist Feature: Porsche InnoDrive
Porsche’s InnoDrive maximizes performance and efficiency with a predictive powertrain control that uses GPS, radar sensors and a camera to see the road ahead and configure the powertrain to optimal settings. - Most Innovative Infotainment System: Audi MMI
The full-featured but easy-to-use Audi MMI system stands out thanks to a clean, contemporary high-tech experience that keeps distraction to a minimum and seamlessly pairs with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit for a cabin with unrivaled integration. - Most Innovative Automaker: Audi
As the industry progresses toward fully autonomous vehicles, Audi has pulled ahead of the pack with its history of innovation. With the 2018 A8’s Level 3 automated system about to hit the road, Edmund says it’s clear that Audi aims to maintain this lead for a while.
The Tech Driven Awards honor new vehicles and systems that are available this year and that were developed and brought to market by automakers represented at CES 2018. A panel of Edmunds editors selected the winners based on a combination of factors including actual testing experience; first-to-market or first-to-announce technologies; feasibility and potential impact on the industry; usability and practicality of the technology; and overall ingenuity.
For more information about each of the winners, visit edmunds.com//car-awards/ces-techdriven or watch the YouTube video here.
