October 2006 (Medialink) - It has been said that technology drives the world, and now, that statement can be taken literally. Where ten years ago most of us didn't own a computer, surf the web or even know what a cell phone was, today it is now commonplace to use your mobile phone to check your e-mail. Detroit, the automotive capital of the world, is now bracing for the reinvention of the automobile - and you might just be surprised at what we'll be driving in a decade.

A new automotive era is emerging. This new leap forward is called "Convergence," where automakers meet with electronic and software makers to plot the course of personal transportation. Your four-wheel automobile that gets you to and from work in a lot of ways has become like a computer on wheels. With convergence, the car of the future will be more and more computer controlled. It will be talking with its environment - and someday, the cars will be talking to each other.

Wireless technology could soon extend to car transports and trucks. It will see bumps in the road, hazardous conditions, and disabled vehicles before it's too late. It is as if there is a sixth sense in the car. Not only will you know your location, but other automobiles will know where you are - and that, in turn, could increase road safety. At Convergence, technology is endless. With smarter vehicles; better fuel economy through hydrogen fuel cells; and more entertaining audio and visual technologies like satellite radio and TV; there is no limit as to where your automobile might take you.