Today, the cars produced by the major automotive original equipment manufacturers are built with automotive embedded systems
Soon they will become communicating objects
Connected cars have created a new ecosystem within the automotive industry, one which is forging a host of innovative partnerships with technology companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other companies that operate outside of the scope of traditional motoring.
These collaborations are becoming increasingly focused on creating new products and services to meet the diverse lifestyle needs of contemporary consumers
This new ecosystem has transformed traditional mobility by hardwiring telecommunications, operating systems, real-time analytics and content platforms, among other elements, into the driving experience.
Just as connected devices have made it possible for consumers to manage virtually any aspect of their life on-the-fly, carmakers, and their non-traditional partners, are now realising exploring how connected cars can fulfil and facilitate the same needs and demands
The successful connected car will exist within the Internet of Things and be both a vehicle and an enabler of broader lifestyle activities.
Adoption levels vary widely according to the function provided in connected cars, and it comes as no surprise that the most common functions in use are those that are directly focused on the driving or in-car experience, such as GPS, smartphone mirroring, maintenance diagnostics or emergency services. These more pragmatic and obvious services were developed first, however, mobile payment (especially for drive-throughs), online shopping and other convergence services are underutilized and therefor present significant opportunities as a result.
As shared mobility solutions with shorter life cycles will become more common, consumers will be constantly aware of technological advances, which will further increase demand for upgradability in privately used cars as well.