Gone are the day’s when drivers settled for cars that got them from point A to point B. Today’s drivers want connected vehicles with features just as sophisticated as their smartphones.
They want to navigate through their Spotify playlists just as easily as they navigate the road. They want hands-free driving while they drink their coffee on their way to work. They want vehicle alerts that notify them of any maintenance needs.
Connected car technology has elevated the vehicle from a means-to-an-end to a complete mobility experience — and it’s not turning back.
So, what exactly are connected vehicles and what do they offer?
A connected vehicle, in simple terms, is a vehicle that wirelessly connects to the internet to provide services and a seamless user experience, whether the car is parked or on the road.
Over 30 million connected vehicles were manufactured and sold last year, making up 41 percent of the total global vehicle sales. Connected vehicle features are in demand, and they’re transitioning from a luxury to an expectation.
In fact, 40 percent of car owners surveyed indicated that they would abandon brand loyalty to pursue a vehicle with more advanced connectivity features. So, what are the connectivity features drivers are seeking the most?
Seven Connectivity Features Driving the Future of the Automotive Industry
The most sought after connected vehicle features not only address common frustrations of the driving experience, but they also enable a seamless driving experience.
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Autonomous Driving Assistance
Driver assistance technology helps drivers rest assured knowing that they have a second layer of protection against road hazards. Sensors detect traffic lights, pedestrians, lanes, other vehicles on the road, and more. Within the next nine years, research suggests that the average autonomous vehicle will be equipped with an estimated 30 sensors to provide lane assistance, forward-collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and more.
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Remote Control Commands
Remote commands, often referred to as “app to car” connectivity features, allow the driver to send commands to a vehicle in close proximity. Many manufacturers provide car owners with smartphone apps which connect to a specific vehicle. Such technology allows the driver to unlock their car, start the engine, control the temperature, and even call the car to their location all from one application.
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Real-Time Location Tracking
This feature enables GPS navigation systems to provide real-time traffic updates and even track the automobile in the event that it is stolen.
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OTA Updates
Over-the-Air (OTA) updates is a new feature only available in Tesla vehicles as of present. Rather than driving to the local dealership for maintenance, vehicles can opt into a series of software updates from the comfort of their own home.
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Infotainment Systems
The most basic of all connected vehicle demands is the adaptive and interactive infotainment system. Today’s driver wants to send voice commands, search through music applications, and answer messages all from one center console. Over 80 percent of vehicles manufactured after 2019 support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.
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Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Connectivity
With V2I technology, the vehicle picks up on road infrastructure and shares the information to the driver. For example, the new Mazda models display speed limit indicators on the new Heads-Up Display (HUD) feature known as an Active Driving Display. With connected vehicles, drivers can view speed and signage without taking their eyes off of the road.
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Vehicle Diagnostics Scan
Vehicle-to-Cloud (V2C) connectivity enables car owners to connect to IoT devices, download OTS vehicle updates, and run remote car diagnostic scans. Compatible systems, such as Elo GPS’ CarRx solution allows the owner to run scans and view health reports all from their mobile device.
The Smarter Approach to Connectivity
With Elo GPS and CarRx, drivers can gain a holistic view of their vehicle with real-time location tracking, theft protection, and smart alerts. The system translates over 19,000 error codes to communicate what is underperforming and what service is needed to fix it, all while allowing drivers to schedule service directly from their phone.
To discover how Elo GPS can provide you the connectivity features you’re looking for, contact our team to find a dealership near you.