What would happen if trucks behaved like computers?
For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers (and our vehicles have enhanced our lives, read on...
Some years ago, at a computer expo (COMDEX), Microsoft’s Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If the auto industry had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that get 1000 miles to the gallon."
In response to his comments, the auto industry issued a press release stating:
‘If the auto industry had developed technology like the computer industry, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:
- For no reason whatsoever, your vehicle would crash twice a day.
- Every time they re-painted the lines on the road, you would have to buy a new vehicle.
- Occasionally your auto would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull over to the side of the road, close all windows, shut off the car, restart it, and re-open the windows before you could continue.
- Occasionally, executing a manoeuvre such as a left turn would cause it to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to re-install the engine.
- Macintosh would make a vehicle that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only 5% of the roads.
- The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a signal "This car has performed an Illegal 'Operation" warning light.
- The airbag system would ask "Are you sure?" before deploying.
- Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
- Every time a new car or truck was introduced, buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again, because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old one.
- You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off