LCD displays have been in cars for a decade now, ever since the advent of navigation systems. Quite early in the development of this technology, automakers figured out that touchscreens allowed them to deliver simple and intuitive interfaces. Yet 10 years later, some automakers are still selling navigation and entertainment systems without touchscreens. While we (sort of) understand why systems that have the screen buried deep within the dash would use an iDrive-like controller, others befuddle us.
For instance: The nav unit we've seen in the Buick Regal. It has a joystick, a rotary knob, and a number pad for interacting with the display, none of which works particularly well. In certain menus, you need to select which option you want by pressing the number next to the on-screen button, which is far from intuitive. Yet the screen sits right out there on the dashboard, inviting a simple touch interface.