As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving holiday travel, a new survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Chevrolet reveals that keeping the kids entertained and hearing the ever-present “Are we there yet?†ranked lower than traffic, packing and cost when it comes to the top family road trip stressors. The Harris Poll surveyed 1,063 U.S. parentsof children under 18 to explore the state of the American family road trip.
As traffic levels are projected to increase during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel week, parents indicated that in-vehicle technologies can improve the family road trip experience by making gridlock more bearable.
Technology offered in vehicles such as the all-new Chevrolet Traverse can give parents added peace and quiet on the road. More than half of American parents (56 percent) said that Wi-Fi/internet connectivity would help make family road trips more enjoyable, making it the top in-vehicle tech on their wish list for family road trips.
“The vehicle is the new family dinner table, where memories are created and bonds grow strong,†said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “As families prepare to hit the road this holiday to spend time with friends and family, they can depend on crossovers like the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse and Equinox to meet their needs, from storage space to USB outlets, available 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Apple CarPlay and Android Autocompatibility.â€
The survey also revealed that, despite stressful or unexpected moments, the spirit of the American family road trip remains alive and well. The vast majority of American parents (93 percent) say they enjoy road trips with their family, with more than half (53 percent) saying they “love†them.
The top reasons for America’s love affair with family road trips? Chevrolet and Harris Poll find that spending time with family (80 percent) ranked as parents’ favorite thing about road trips, followed by exploring and stopping at interesting locations/destinations (69 percent). The following results are based on the survey:
TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE FAMILY ROAD TRIP
In-car Wi-Fi sits at the top of parents’ wish list for better road trips:
- 56 percent of parents say that having Wi-Fi/internet connectivity would help make their family road trips more enjoyable.
- Nearly three in 10 parents who take family road trips but do not have Wi-Fi/internet connectivity in their car say they would be more likely to take longer (29 percent) or more frequent (28 percent) family road trips if their vehicle had Wi-Fi/connectivity.
- Of those who do have Wi-Fi/internet connectivity in their cars, more than half of parents who take road trips said they are more likely to take longer (54 percent) or more frequent (56 percent) family road trips because of the feature.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE LOVE OF THE FAMILY ROAD TRIP
The vast majority of American parents enjoy taking road trips, and so do their kids:
- 93 percent of all parents say they like or love taking road trips with their family, including more than half (53 percent) who “love†it. Of those who take road trips, 95 percent like or love them, including 55 percent who say they “love†them.
- Kids like spending time on the road with their families as well: 90 percent of parents who take road trips say their kids also enjoy time on the road.
- 86 percent of American parents who took road trips when they were growing up say they have “a lot of fond memories†from childhood that took place on family road trips, including nearly half (49 percent) who strongly agree.
Family time and new explorations drive America’s love of road trips:
- Spending time with family (80 percent) and exploring and stopping at interesting locations and destinations (69 percent) are parents’ top two favorite aspects of family road trips.
- Unplugging from everyday life (49 percent), indulging in foods and snacks (44 percent) and being out on the open road (45 percent) round out the top five favorite parts of taking family road trips.
What stresses parents out the most on family road trips? It’s not the kids:
- Traffic and other unexpected delays is by far the most stressful part of the family road trip, according to nearly two in three parents (63%).
- Only about one in four parents (26%) are most stressed by getting asked “are we there yet?†and just under one in three (31%) find it stressful to keep the kids entertained.
BY THE NUMBERS: QUICK STATS ON THE STATE OF THE AMERICAN FAMILY ROAD TRIP
- Is there a “perfect†road trip length? The consensus is yes. American parents who take road trips believe that the “perfect†family road trip length is typically six hours.
- Tech savvy: Parents who take road trips today bring 6.6 mobile devices, on average, in the vehicle.
- Which wheels are best? Nearly two-thirds of all American parents (63 percent) say they would prefer to take a family road trip in an SUV over any other type of vehicle, with more than two in five (42 percent) preferring a large SUV with three rows.
- A family affair: 67 percent of parents who take road trips involve their children in the planning.
A CLOSER LOOK AT CHEVROLET
In time for holiday travel, Chevrolet vehicles provide families a home away from home where they can make special memories on the road.
Chevrolet was the first automaker to offer 4G LTE Wi-Fi on its cars, trucks and crossovers, and has offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility in most of its lineup since 2015, helping families stay connected on the road.
Along with available safety features such as the Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Surround Vision and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Chevrolet aims to help loved ones stay safe, comfortable and connected on long trips.
Other available technology and safety features include:
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Park Assist
- Forward Collision Alert
- Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking
- Rear Seat Reminder
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Chevrolet between Oct. 19 and Oct. 27, 2017, among 1,063 adults ages 18+ who are the parent or legal guardian of a child/children under the age of 18 residing in their household (“parentsâ€). For complete research method, including subgroup sample sizes and weighting variables, contact Katie Amann at katie.amann@chevrolet.com
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
GM EV Charging Network Expands to 120+ IONNA Stations
GM EV drivers can now access more than 120 IONNA fast-charging stations across the United States with seamless charging through Energy Pass.
Electric vehicle owners driving Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC models now have access to an even larger public charging network as IONNA continues expanding across the United States. Backed by General Motors and seven other major automakers, the fast-growing charging network now operates 122 charging locations nationwide with 1,166 DC fast-charging stalls, making long-distance EV travel more convenient than ever.
The expansion also strengthens GM’s charging ecosystem by integrating IONNA directly into the company’s Energy Pass platform, allowing drivers to locate chargers, start charging sessions and pay without downloading additional apps.

GM EV drivers now have access to more than 120 IONNA fast-charging stations across the United States.
GM expands fast charging across the United States
IONNA continues rapidly expanding its footprint with stations strategically located across major travel corridors.
Many of the new locations feature IONNA Rechargeries, offering drivers amenities such as:
- Fast charging up to 400 kW
- Food and beverage options
- Modern restrooms
- Well-lit charging areas
- Comfortable rest stops during charging sessions
The network is designed to reduce charging times while providing a better experience for EV owners traveling long distances.

IONNA Rechargery locations combine ultra-fast charging with convenient traveler amenities.
Energy Pass simplifies public EV charging
GM’s new Energy Pass integrates public charging directly into the MyChevrolet, MyCadillac, and MyGMC mobile apps.
Instead of creating multiple charging accounts, drivers can:
- Find compatible charging stations
- Start charging remotely
- Pay directly through one account
- Use Plug & Charge for automatic authentication
- Receive a 10% discount when charging at participating IONNA stations
The system also provides access to multiple charging providers through a single interface.

Energy Pass allows GM EV owners to access multiple charging networks from one app.
More charging options for GM electric vehicles
Beyond IONNA, Energy Pass also connects GM customers with several of the nation’s largest charging networks, including Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, and additional providers that continue expanding throughout the country.
Combined, these networks provide access to nearly 70% of all DC fast chargers in the United States, giving GM EV owners significantly greater charging flexibility whether commuting daily or taking longer road trips.
As IONNA continues opening new locations nationwide, General Motors is strengthening one of the most important aspects of EV ownership: convenient, reliable and easy-to-use public charging infrastructure.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
Hyundai myQ Connected Garage Brings Smart Garage Control to Vehicles
Hyundai expands its connected car experience by integrating myQ Connected Garage technology, allowing drivers to monitor and control compatible garage doors directly from the vehicle’s touchscreen.
Hyundai Motor America has announced a new partnership with Chamberlain Group to introduce Hyundai myQ Connected Garage, a feature that allows drivers to monitor and operate compatible garage doors directly from the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Available on select 2024-2026 Hyundai models in the U.S., the new connected service enhances convenience by integrating smart home technology with Hyundai’s Bluelink platform.
Hyundai myQ Connected Garage adds smarter vehicle connectivity
The new Hyundai myQ Connected Garage system enables owners to check whether their garage door is open or closed and control it remotely without leaving the vehicle.
Once linked to a compatible myQ account and Hyundai Bluelink, the service provides seamless access through the vehicle’s touchscreen display.
Among the new features are:
- Automatic garage door opening and closing through customizable geofencing.
- Remote monitoring and control from virtually anywhere.
- Personalized opening and closing distance settings.
- Valet Mode to temporarily disable garage access.
- Support for multiple garage doors and multiple properties.
- Close Door Reminder notifications if the garage remains open.

Hyundai introduces myQ Connected Garage technology for compatible vehicles.
Compatible with leading smart garage systems
The Hyundai myQ Connected Garage platform works with several of the most popular smart garage door brands in North America, including:
- LiftMaster
- Chamberlain
- Craftsman
Garage door systems from many other manufacturers can also become compatible by adding the myQ Smart Garage Control device, eliminating the need for additional vehicle hardware or manual programming.
Once connected through a Hyundai Bluelink account, drivers can access their garage controls directly from the infotainment screen for a more integrated ownership experience.

The system supports multiple garage doors through a single myQ account.
Three-month free trial available on select Hyundai models
Hyundai is offering a three-month complimentary trial of myQ Connected Garage for eligible customers.
The service is available on select 2024, 2025 and 2026 Hyundai vehicles, depending on model and trim level, giving owners the opportunity to experience expanded smart home integration through their vehicle.
This latest technology further strengthens Hyundai’s connected ecosystem by combining vehicle convenience, home automation and remote accessibility into a single seamless platform.

Eligible Hyundai owners receive a complimentary three-month trial of myQ Connected Garage.
As connected vehicle technology continues to evolve, Hyundai myQ Connected Garage represents another step toward integrating everyday digital services into the driving experience. By allowing drivers to manage their garage doors directly from the vehicle, Hyundai expands its smart mobility ecosystem while offering greater convenience, security and peace of mind for customers across the U.S. market.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
Chinese Automakers Develop AI Chips to Reduce Costs and Challenge Nvidia
Chinese automakers are accelerating the development of in-house AI chips as they seek to lower costs, improve autonomous driving technology and reduce their dependence on suppliers such as Nvidia.
China’s automotive industry is entering a new phase of competition. After becoming the global leader in electric vehicle battery production, several manufacturers are now investing heavily in proprietary AI chips designed to power advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and future autonomous driving technologies.
Companies including BYD, NIO, XPeng and Li Auto believe developing their own processors will allow them to control costs, speed up innovation and better integrate hardware with software.
Chinese automakers are investing heavily in AI chips
The Chinese automakers AI chips strategy reflects how modern vehicles are becoming software-defined products.
Instead of relying entirely on technology companies, manufacturers are creating processors specifically optimized for their own vehicles and autonomous driving systems.
These custom chips process data from cameras, radar, lidar and driver-monitoring systems while supporting increasingly advanced driving features.
As more affordable electric vehicles receive sophisticated driver-assistance technology, reducing hardware costs has become a major competitive advantage.

Chinese automakers are investing billions to develop their own AI chips for future electric vehicles.
BYD leads the race with its own autonomous driving chip
Among all manufacturers, BYD has made one of the biggest moves.
The company recently introduced its Xuanji A3, a 4-nanometer AI chip designed to support Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous driving.
According to BYD, the processor delivers performance comparable to Nvidia’s Thor platform while costing significantly less to produce.
The automaker also announced plans to invest more than $14.7 billion in intelligent vehicle technologies over the next three years.

BYD’s Xuanji A3 chip is designed to power next-generation intelligent vehicles.
NIO, XPeng and Li Auto expand their chip programs
BYD is not alone in pursuing this strategy.
NIO already uses its 5-nanometer Shenji NX9031 processor in production vehicles and estimates it can reduce hardware costs by roughly $1,400 per vehicle compared with Nvidia-based systems.
Meanwhile, XPeng continues expanding development of its Turing AI chip, which could eventually be supplied to other manufacturers. The company is already collaborating with Volkswagen on China-market electric vehicles.
Li Auto has also entered the race with its Mach M100 processor, developed specifically for its flagship L9 SUV and future intelligent driving systems.

Several Chinese automakers are designing proprietary chips to power future autonomous driving systems.
The rapid expansion of Chinese automakers AI chips highlights how competition in the electric vehicle industry is moving beyond batteries and into software and semiconductor technology. As manufacturers gain greater control over both hardware and software, they can reduce production costs while accelerating the development of advanced driver-assistance systems.
For global automakers, this trend represents a significant challenge. Companies that continue relying exclusively on third-party suppliers such as Nvidia, Qualcomm or Mobileye could find themselves at a growing cost disadvantage as Chinese brands strengthen their technological leadership in the global EV market.
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