Per a recent Gartner research survey, auto owners want to be connected to the Internet in more ways than one. Forget horsepower! The connected car or truck is becoming the hottest feature for vehicle buyers. “Consumers are increasingly looking for solutions that allow them to stay connected wherever they are,” per Gartner Research. “This will actually make cars the coolest mobile device going.”
In-vehicle technology is the top selling point for 39 percent of new car buyers today according to a study by consulting firm Accenture
released last December. That’s why cars that talk, show drivers the way and steer them from harm is dominating the 2014 Detroit auto
show. Built-in radar is now used for collision avoidance and parking, dashboard screens for accessing the Internet or a mobile office,
Ford or GM’s electronic wireless vehicle system with help on directions, accessing the Internet, or calling for help, voice or hand
gesture activation controls, remote home security, ability to watch any TV show or movie in the back seat, and much more!
The number of cars connected to the Internet worldwide will grow more than sixfold to 152 million in 2020 from 23 million now, according
to researcher IHS Automotive. American, German, and Japanese auto manufacturers plan to offer more Internet connections in their mid to upscale 2014 cars, including Wi-Fi hot spots for tablets and laptops. By 2017, one-quarter of all automakers will earn money from e-commerce transactions in the car.
By 2018, one in five cars will be “self-aware,” able to discern and share information on their mechanical health, their global position
and status of their surroundings per Gartner Research. The future of auto technology is rapidly changing with educational, entertainment,
and safety benefits.
Bob Larson is a technologist, writer, and Marketing Director for 50 Plus. For more information contact Bob at Email Bob.