Manufacturing & Parts News South Africa

Connected cars: the future of driving

The connected car is set to revolutionise the automotive experience, according to a new industry report from Ipsos Business Consulting. Traditionally, car ownership brings with it high costs and stress levels, as well as significant commuting times. But the automotive industry is in the early stages of radical transformation that will see the connected car becoming the most advanced computing device that we own.

“The extent of business re-engineering faced by automotive companies should not be under-estimated” said Per-Henrik Karlsson, country head for Korea at Ipsos Business Consulting. “Effectively, automotive manufacturing companies are extremely large industrial companies, yet they must now seek to transform themselves into data analytics companies. The car will become a mobile device, much the same as your tablet or smartphone – except more literally in this case. The challenge is immense and there is a possibility that we see some existing companies being marginalised or disappearing from a marketplace in which they are currently a major player.” Karlsson commented.

Lynn Morgan, head of Europe for Ipsos Business Consulting agreed with Karlsson, adding: “The advent of the connected car, connected healthcare and the Internet of Things marks the dawn of some of the most exciting times since the Industrial Revolution. Manufacturers have never experienced this level of transformational change in the past. We are already seeing the traditional players forming alliances with data companies, retailers and app developers. Some are buying technology companies as part of their strategy to get ready for the change. This is all very exciting for the consumer who is about to witness technological developments on a large scale – developments that were considered to be in the realms of science fiction not so long ago.”

Benefits for consumers

1. Safety: Automated driving will greatly reduce the chance of accidents – and remove the need for traffic lights.
2. More 'me time': Cars will be able to drive and park themselves, enabling commuters use drive and park time as they choose..
3. More money: Insurers will never worry about driving history again; and cars can be readied for 'ubering' or ride sharing.
4. Less visits to the doctor: Cars will become the most advanced mobile device in use, capable of becoming a 'clinic' through its healthcare apps.
5. Commuting more often: Connected cars will be part of a network that provides a commuting service, making travel a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

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