An new study has found that the ability to determine parking space availability near destinations has become the top requested in-car connected technology for drivers.
The latest Connected Features Interest Survey Report put together by TechInsights assessed 28 connected car features across 4,990 drivers in the U.S., UK, Germany, France, Italy, and China. The study also delivered some other interesting results and revealed that the connected car services being demanded by drivers vary slightly between markets.
Drivers in China said in-car parking information was the most valuable feature while motorists in Europe said it was the second-most important feature and just 1 per cent behind their top choice. In America, respondents also placed it as their second highest priority, just 3 per cent behind live traffic information technology. The demand for parking information stretches across generations.
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Indeed, the study revealed that drivers aged from 18-24 and 35-44 in the U.S. said it was their top priority. It was a similar story in Europe where it was the top priority of 18-24 years olds.
“As our roads get busier and drivers’ lives become more hectic, we are not surprised to see demand for journey-related connected features that make driving safer and more convenient, continuing to rise,” chief product officer at Parkopedia, Duncan Licence, said of the survey results.
The study also found that having the ability to make in-car payments is quickly becoming a priority. Indeed, there was a probability of choice for 56 per cent of global respondents as in-car payments being among the most important connected car feature. It was also found that Chinese consumers consider in-car payments to be a “highly desirable” feature.
Other connected car services that are becoming more widespread, such as in-car games, email, and social media integrations, were found to be significantly less desirable than those that help you on your journey.
“The challenge now for OEMs is to prioritize the most in-demand services and provide a holistic driving experience with the seamless integration of navigation and parking services to take the stress out of their drivers’ journeys,” added Licence. “This latest survey shows that many automakers are still lagging behind their customers’ expectations when it comes to delivering the right services, with select OEMs electing to withhold certain connected car features as a cost-saving. However, the data and feedback globally shows that many drivers are likely to avoid certain vehicles or brands if their data, mapping and in-car payment services do not meet today’s expectations.”
