The Digital Car: Cool Automotive Accessories

The average person spends nearly an hour a day driving to and from work, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. So-called "extreme commuters" spend four hours or more -- that's the equivalent of spending over a month per year sitting in a car.

Long commute times are one factor driving the demand for technology-based accessories, and accessory manufacturers are tapping into that demand as the industry moves toward fully digital cars.

Estimated factory-to-dealer sales of in-vehicle technologies are expected to reach US$9.6 billion in 2007, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, and car technologies are among those drawing extra attention at this week's International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.

From slick gadgets to cockpit electronics and beyond, the in-vehicle technology market has something to offer not only the soccer mom who drives a just a few miles per day, but also the road warrior who spends many hours on the highways each week.

By Jennifer LeClaire
TechNewsWorld