With the blossoming of the electronics and technologies industries, automotive engineers have kept pace by updating both standard and "extra" features in modern cars; they are more complex to build, but, at least in theory, they are easier for the consumer to drive, as the computer does most of the "thinking."

During the technological upgrades, engineers refitted the vehicles with features that used to be luxury or non-existent items, but which today come standard.

These are but a few of the new standard features: 1) a suspension that can be changed from luxury sedan to sports car at the flick of the driver's switch, 2) front and side air bags and collision-detection devices; and 3) anti-lock brakes that provide traction control on slippery roads - the car's "brain" senses when a wheel is spinning too fast, and it adjusts the ride so the tires grip the road better.

Some other improvements include a) cruise control devices that automatically detect radar scans and slow the car down to its proper cruising speed; b) Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) location detectors, and c) on-board navigation systems that display maps, locations, and possible routes to avoid obstacles, such as traffic jams.

All the electronics are managed through a master on-board computer, which coordinates the car's operation for maximum efficiency. Sometimes the navigational system is hooked into another computer so drivers can access roadside assistance should the need arise.

The automobile industry is also "going green" a lot more these days. Special devices called catalytic converters have be re-tooled to reduce the car's emissions, helping to clear the air. Some companies are also making some vehicles with recycled materials, while others are using hybrid gas-electric engines.