The Unexpected Origins of In-Car Touchscreens

Touchscreens are a defining feature of modern life, found in countless devices and used daily by billions. However, the story of this technology’s development isn’t as recent as many believe. While early patents for touch-sensitive screens date back to 1946, and practical applications emerged in 1973 at CERN to simplify particle accelerator controls, the technology wouldn't truly take off until the 1980s.

Buick Leads the Way in 1985

Despite its current brand image, Buick was the first automaker to introduce a touchscreen into a production vehicle. In 1985, General Motors’ Delco Electronics division unveiled the Electronic Control Centre in the Buick Riviera. This monochrome CRT screen allowed drivers to manage climate control, radio functions, gauges, and diagnostic information, consolidating 91 traditional controls.

Early Adoption Challenges

The innovative system wasn’t without its drawbacks. Some drivers resisted the new control method, and a failure of the ECC could disable essential functions, incurring a hefty $2000 repair cost. Despite these challenges, it signaled a shift towards more integrated and technologically advanced vehicle interfaces.

The 1990s: Refinement and Growing Acceptance

Autocar first encountered an in-car touchscreen, described as “an in-dash TV,” in a 1992 Toyota Soarer imported from Japan. The review noted its resemblance to a Tokyo electronics store and the “infuriating habit of beeping” with each operation.

Lexus Ushers in a New Era

The first UK-market offering with a touchscreen arrived in 1997 with the facelifted Mk2 Lexus LS limousine. Autocar praised the Lexus’s satellite navigation system, stating, “We’ve fallen in love with the LS’s satellite-navigation computer.” The system’s ease of use, facilitated by the touch-sensitive monitor, was lauded as revolutionary, offering a user experience akin to “Tomorrow’s World.”

From Luxury to Mainstream

Over the next decade and a half, touchscreens gradually became more affordable and widespread, appearing in vehicles like the Vauxhall Corsa. They also assumed increasing responsibility for vehicle functions.

The Debate Over Distraction

By 2013, concerns about driver distraction began to surface. Hideki Okano, Mazda’s chief of electronic development, cautioned that increasing connectivity would heighten the risk of distraction and emphasized the need to prioritize safety in human-machine interfaces.

Tesla and the All-Screen Approach

However, at the same time, Tesla launched the Model S, featuring a large, central touchscreen controlling nearly all vehicle functions. “Like an extra-large iPad turned portrait, it’s used to control everything from the air conditioning to the selectable ride height of the air suspension,” Autocar reported. While acknowledging potential complications, the review deemed the Tesla system “light years ahead” of conventional cockpit designs.

The Future of Touchscreens

Tesla’s approach ultimately prevailed, with even Mazda adopting similar touchscreen interfaces. The debate regarding touchscreen distraction continues, but the technology’s evolution from a niche feature in a Buick Riviera to a central component of modern vehicles is undeniable.