Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Snow…

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America unveils an in-dash device at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars here that provides instant, detailed weather reports from start to finish of a trip.

It’s made possible by integrating AccuWeather’s MinuteCast Along a Route technology that predicts upcoming weather minute-by-minute, color-coded based on conditions. Blue, for example, indicates snow showers.

“You could take Interstate 94 from Detroit to Chicago, and if the weather is severe at some point ahead, then you might take an alternate route,” says Gareth Williams, MEAA director of advanced development.

At least one European automaker has adopted the technology, Williams says. He sees it initially as a premium-vehicle option.

Clearly enhanced safety is a major benefit of knowing real-time weather conditions, he says.

The weather capability is part of an overall infotainment system that has three elements: Electronic gauge display behind the steering wheel, a central display with multiple command icons and a screen embedded in the instrument panel facing the front passenger that can work with smartphones, tablets and more.

Passengers, for example, could watch a movie on this display if it is blocked from the driver’s view. “Some people might get motion sickness if they’re looking at their tablets,” Williams says, suggesting a stationary embedded display could eliminate that problem.

Beyond that, the screen also could be used to check emails, monitor social media and news reports or conduct work-related functions, he says.