2017 L.A. Auto Show - New Cars and Trends On How We May Move Next

2017 Los Angeles Auto Show not only included some new knockout models such as the new Tesla Model 3, redesigned Jeep Wrangler, Porsche 911 plug-in hybrid, and Volkswagen's new electric vehicle entry (to take on Tesla) the I.D.CROSS Concept, but also some cool new trends that could change the way we move in the future.

Forget buying… let’s subscribe your next car

Economists and sociologist have been talking about consumers beginning to prefer access instead of ownership. The newest car subscription services are the industry's long-awaited answer to car sharing services. In the US, ‘Book By Cadillac’ is just that. For approximately US$1,600 a month, including insurance and maintenance, you can get any Cadillac of your choice. Other makers include Volvo and Lincoln who are finalizing their offering for this new subscription model. Assume this could be a great tax write off against your car allowance.

Building better maps

As the world looks towards computers driving cars, maps and map technology become more important. Google Maps, Microsoft and Tom Tom don't just provide maps for your phone but for automakers and various other industries that need them.

One of the smaller companies trying to change the mapping space is ‘what3words’. They create addresses that make sense to both computers and humans.

‘Think of how frustrating it is when you call an Uber and you spend 10 minutes trying to find each other,’ says company executive Clare Jones. ‘Try to find Juarez Street in Mexico City,’ she jokes. That's because the city has more than 600 streets with that name.

The company has divided the world into a grid, with trillions of 10-foot squares. Each square gets a three-word name. ‘The computer wants to hear longitude and latitude, and people don't think that way,’ Jones says. The point of such services is to make it easier for the transition to autonomous cars.

My bicycle: Personal transport

As the big car companies' race toward the electric and self-driving future, there's growing competition for the personal transportation world. Think everything from skateboard to three-wheeler. There is a huge demand for small personal transport. Brands such as Micro Kickboard, Razor USA, Propella Electric Bikes, and the foldable scooter Urb-B were some of the exhibitors at the show.