INSIDE:

NEWS/STORIES/ARTICLES
Book Reviews
Columns/Opinion/Cartoon
Films
International
National
NW/Local
Recipes
Special A.C.E. Stories
Sports
Online Paper (PDF)

CLASSIFIED SECTION
Bids & Public Notices
NW Job Market

NW RESOURCE GUIDE
Consulates
Organizations
Scholarships
Special Sections

Asian Reporter Info

About Us

Advertising Info.

Contact Us
Subscription Info. & Back Issues

FOLLOW US
Facebook

Twitter

ASIA LINKS
Currency Exchange
Time Zones
More Asian Links
 

Copyright © 1990 - 2024
AR Home

My Turn by Wayne Chan

From The Asian Reporter, V34, #3 (March 4, 2024), page 7.

It’s amazing how many things we really can’t live without, until the moment we realize we’ve been living without them our entire life. Take my car, for example.

I’ve owned a bunch of cars during my life, and the current one I drive seems like a perfect fit for me. It drives well, there’s plenty of space, and it gets me to where I want to go.

Seems pretty simple, right? I decided to go with a Tesla because I liked the idea of charging at home. We also have solar panels on our house, so the cost is very manageable. And being kind to the environment is a pretty nice benefit as well.

For anyone who has ever thought about buying an electric vehicle (EV), there have always been a couple of factors to consider — what is the driving range with a full charge and where could I go to get a quick charge if needed. Not too much else to worry about.

But now I’ve found out Chinese EV makers have flipped that thinking on its head. In China, it’s not just about how much range the car has and where you’re able to charge, but there are also other decisions. They must be doing something right because the world’s top EV maker is now China’s BYD, which took over the top spot from Tesla late last year.

So what are some of the decisions Chinese consumers must now consider when buying an electric car? How about a refrigerator to keep drinks icy cold? Not luxe enough? How about seats (including back seats) that fully recline so riders can watch a movie on the 32" screen that rolls down from the headliner of the car? I’m just going to assume that this movie watching experience is while the car is parked.

Now, all of a sudden, I feel deprived. Refrigerator? Movie screen? All my car does is get me from point A to point B. How did I ever survive this? Apparently, I’m still living in the ice age because I can’t have ice-cold drinks until I get home!

Well, enough of this. Tesla, get your act together. We need options. And I, for one, will not sit idly by until my car allows me to sit in a fetal position. Wait, is that right? I won’t sit until I can sit … well, you know what I mean!

Here are some of the other features I’d like in my next car:

AFGPS: This stands for "Air Fryer Global Positioning System." I want a car that not only gives me driving directions, but also shoots boneless chicken wings directly into my mouth from the direction that I’m supposed to turn. It’s a win-win feature. Not only do I get the directions I need, but I get nourishment at the same time.

Artificial Intelligence Sound System: Having a stereo system in my car that plays music is sooo 2023. I want a sound system that thinks and behaves. When I pick up someone in my car, I want my sound system to notice that I’ve been listening to Barry Manilow’s greatest hits all day and automatically switch the music to Pink Floyd or Metallica. Another desired A.I. feature — whenever I pull into a drive-through fast-food place, the sound system automatically blares out, "No, I don’t want any fries with that!"

Jiffy Pop Air Bags: Dual function, self-explanatory, no description necessary.

The future is just waiting for us. Elon, give me a call. I have a lot more ideas. I’m waiting.

Read the current issue of The Asian Reporter in its entirety!
Go to <www.asianreporter.com/completepaper.htm>!

Opinions expressed in this newspaper are those of the
authors and not necessarily those of this publication.