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3 Automotive innovations to watch for in 2021

Canadian auto experts recognize the year's best innovations for green, tech, and safety

Justin Pritchard
Apr 07, 2021  •  May 4, 2021  •  2 minute read  •  Join the conversation
F-150 ProPower
F-150 ProPower Photo by Ford

A specialized panel of Canadian experts has just recognized the three most important automotive innovations to hit the market this year.

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Annually, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) identifies the Best Safety Innovation, Best Green Innovation, and Best Technical Innovation as part of the AJAC Innovation Awards program.

The voting panel is comprised of a specialized group of members with expertise in engineering and technical reporting.

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“AJAC’s jurors assess the nominated technologies one by one following a comprehensive process of assessment and analysis. The winners are decided by secret ballot to ensure complete objectivity” explains Stephanie Wallcraft, AJAC President. “Canadians can be assured that the vehicles featuring the winning technologies integrate some of the most significant innovations on today’s automotive market”.

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Best Safety Innovation

Honda’s next-generation passenger front airbag design
Honda’s next-generation passenger front airbag design Photo by Honda

Honda’s curious-looking Next-Generation Front Passenger Airbag earns the title of Best Safety Innovation. Currently available in the MDX crossover and TLX sport sedans from Honda’s Acura luxury division, this innovative new airbag design was created in response to data showing that over half of all frontal collisions result in an angular impact. A new airbag design was created to offer better protection in these types of crashes.

The Next-Generation Front Passenger Airbag deploys into a V shape, with two wings projecting outwards, but remaining connected via a mesh panel. The design intends to help catch and guide the occupant’s head and upper torso, easing motion into the centre of the airbag.

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Developed in Ohio, Honda has made this airbag design available to other manufacturers through their supplier.

Dubbed “The Catcher’s Mitt” in development, this new airbag looks a bit strange – but could help save many lives.

Best Green Innovation

Ford’s new PowerBoost full-hybrid driveline earns the Best Green Innovation award, thanks to real-world fuel saving and emissions-reducing performance, all while amplifying power to the ground with the latest use of electrified tech.

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Since this full-hybrid driveline powers one of the most popular vehicles on the road, it’s a technology that’ll create a significant environmental impact– all while giving Canadian shoppers what they’re after: more power, more choices, lower emissions, and better mileage with no compromise.

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Best Technical Innovation

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The Best Technical Innovation award goes to Ford as well – for the ProPower On Board system. Using components related to its award-winning full-hybrid driveline, the ProPower On Board system gives shoppers access to a nearly limitless supply of high-output power and power storage, on the go. Whether you’re powering your house during a natural disaster or running tools or toys at the campsite or jobsite, ProPower OnBoard turns the F-150 into a massive rolling power bank that’s fed by its hybrid engine’s generator.

Not only is this cleaner and more efficient than running a conventional generator, it takes up no room in the box of the truck.

For the potential it holds to make a tangible difference in how working owners use their F-150 trucks, the ProPower On Board system wins the 2021 award for Best Technical Innovation.

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