There have been very few new inventions with regards to the automobile in the past few years,
There have been many new inventions with regards to the process of implementing old inventions.
Multi displacement was invented many years ago but used the deactivation of valves where as today the main source of deactivation is through the control of FI. This really is because of the greater use of FI rather than new invention. According to J.D. Power, 'experiments with the basic principle of
multi displacement had been undertaken during WW2'.
The fuel cell is just being used in leased cars this year. But it was actually invented in 1839.
Direct injection 1925.
Turbo superchargers 1905
Superchargers in 1885
Computerization has resulted in the successful implementation of many old inventions. And computers have been around for many, many years.
Of course refinements and new processes result in new patents.
And marketing helps a great deal.
But it won't be until all those things manage to create public acceptance that a product will excel.
As far as comparing a everyday vehicle to the trucking industry. The engine reliability built into the industrial/commercial vehicle/engine will be difficult to ever find in a normal everyday vehicle.
Commercial trucking started using the supercharger many years ago. Some high performance vehicles being sold today are using the supercharger. It may be because of the lack of 'lag'. It may be a combination of things.
Lithium batteries the 1970's
