In Houston during the summer months our steering wheels and seats are heated to about 200 degrees.

In the south, we need air conditioned steering wheels in the summer--and leather seats.

I can do without a heated steering wheel. That's what gloves are for and one less thing to break on the car. :-)
However I do like the idea of the bumpers. Should be standard on all cars. I had a car with a rubber insert down the middle of the back bumper, can't remember which one it was , and it saved my car from smushes when it was hit from behind.

I'm contemplating a move to the country eventually. I have plans to make a house using old tires. It's a great way to insulate. You basically make an earthberm house above ground. Heating and cooling are minimal because of the walls being so thick.

I just bought a fleece steering wheel cover at a craft show. I'm going to try to make some for christmas gifts. I think the fleece with help keep the wheel from getting too hot or cold.

It does get cold here in NW Oregon, I like both ideas.