Technology — ranging from weight-saving aluminum to a feature that allows owners to interact with a vehicle using wearable gear — is moving front and center in upcoming 2015 vehicles.

And in this regard, the automotive industry seems to be in sync with the desires of new-vehicle buyers, according to the recent J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Avoider Study. The survey examined the reasons owners bought, rejected or avoided particular models when new-vehicle shopping.

Of the consumers surveyed, 38 percent who bought domestic vehicles and 33 percent of import buyers said the latest technology features were a reason for their purchase. (For a third consecutive year, gas mileage was the most important reason for purchasing a vehicle, with 15 percent.)

These are some of the technologies consumers can expect to tempt them in future 2015 models.

Connected cars

Hyundai Genesis sedan owners will be able to connect with their vehicle using wearable devices. Hyundai's cloud-based Blue Link technology will make remote start and service information quickly accessible, without the inconvenience of pulling out a smartphone, through new devices like Google Glass.

More vehicles are coming with built-in Wi-Fi hot spots. They include GMC's 2015 Canyon midsize truck and Cadillac's ATS coupe, which has a new OnStar system with a hot spot that can connect seven devices at once. Audi's A8 navigation system tops that by connecting eight.

Aluminum vs. steel

Ford put its "Built Ford Tough" reputation on the line with extensive use of high-strength, military-grade aluminum in its upcoming 2015 F-150, which makes it 700 pounds lighter. Replacing steel body panels with aluminum should increase fuel economy, but Ford has not released those figures.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 220 pounds lighter than the previous model, helped by a "significant" content of 60 percent aluminum, resulting in 20 percent less fuel consumption.

Honda is using ultrahigh strength steel to increase body stiffness while reducing weight. Honda's new Fit subcompact hatchback weighs 57 pounds less thanks to Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility engineering body structure.

BMW saved weight in its M4 coupe by increasing the use of lightweight materials, such as carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and aluminum.

Fuel saving technologies

It's more about horsepower than green power with introductions of Chevrolet's Corvette Z06, Subaru's WRX STI and the 450-horsepower Lexus RC F performance coupe. Automakers, however, are showcasing a wide-ranging back of tricks to increase fuel economy.

The F-150's new 2.7-liter EcoBoost has start-stop technology to shut off the engine when the truck is stopped and restart it when the brake is released.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan has a standard nine-speed automatic transmission for an expected 35 miles per gallon highway. Its available all-wheel drive system has an automatic fully disconnecting rear axle, which helps improve fuel economy.

Honda is employing its Earth Dreams powertrains to improve mpg ratings. The Honda Fit's 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with the continuously variable transmission is anticipated to achieve mileage of 33 city/41 highway/36 combined.

Safety and driver-assisted features

The Chrysler 200 and 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be available with systems that help drivers to park. More automakers are introducing systems that either slow or stop a vehicle when a frontal collision is imminent. They include the Audi A8, F-150 and Chrysler 200.

Audi's night vision assistant feature, which already offers pedestrian detection, can now warn if animals such as deer are in the way.

The F-150's new 360-degree camera is expected to make it easier to navigate into parking spaces.

The new C-Class will get all of the safety technology from the S-Class, including features that can warn if a driver is being inattentive or getting drowsy. □