Maybe you don't know this, I didn't until very recently, but from 2015 all new cars sold in Europe should be "connected" due to the EU eCall recommendation. The eCall concept is to allow the car computer systems to automatically (or manually if selected by a passenger) call for assistance in the event of an accident. A key point being that it is not just a voice call to an emergency service operator, but also data such as location. This may be the first mobile Machine to Machine (M2M) application that consumers will actually become aware of.
OK, there is nothing especially new about the concept or the technology. For example, Vodafone and BMW recently announced that Vodafone M2M SIMs will enable the connectivity for BMW's ConnectedDrive service. A premium service that fits well with a premium car brand, where the prestige is likely to outweigh the cost implications for the target market. "Yaah, my car is smarter than yours!".
However, if as expected, this is applied across all vehicles regardless of brand, from Kia to Rolls Royce, then there will be opportunities there to be exploited - no manufacturer will want to incur the cost of including basic connectivity without trying to monetise it to their advantage, e.g. by offering value added services. This should drive (no pun intended) the growth of connectivity modules, display panels (for user interface), services and applications.
It will be interesting to see which Companies can make the most of this opportunity, and most importantly engage with the consumer. How long will it be before my dad asks me which car he should buy next - the one with iCar or gCar inside?
Martin is available for
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applications/technology and innovation. To discuss your requirements
check contact details in Martin's profile.
Martin Yagi.
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