3. Parking assistance

car innovation 1

Automakers want to eliminate the hassle of parking.

Although many companies offer a parallel parking function to guide drivers into spots, some manufacturers -- including Tesla and BMW -- are taking it a step farther. Automated parking doesn't require a driver to be in the car.

Related: Cities warm up to designated Uber, Lyft pick-up spots

The BMW 7 Series can be pulled in and out of tight spaces while the driver waits outside the vehicle. Drivers push a button on their key to instruct the car when to pull in or out of a parking spot.

Some Tesla cars can be summoned with a smartphone and slowly drive itself to meet its owner. The vehicles can also be synced with garage doors, so they can independently enter and exit while drivers wait outside.

First published December 6, 2017: 8:24 PM ET

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