In 2016 there will be 210 million connected cars. The human being has become a hyper-connected being, and this circumstance is causing important changes in various industries and one of the most affected is the automobile. The Internet has changed the way we buy cars and mobility what we hope to do with them.
With hyperconnectivity and the car as the fourth screen, situations will arise such as the vehicle’s sensors being able to deduce that the occupants are thirsty and send that information to the sensors of a service station that will quickly send offers to encourage them to go to the store of convenience. Or that service stations are able to detect that a vehicle needs to be refueled and send you personalized offers to do so at their facilities.
In the future, manufacturers should replace dealerships with a small number of impressive and highly attractive showrooms located in central locations and invest in online customer contact. The Internet has allowed the emergence and development of new manufacturers, not having to have a network of sales establishments.
The cars of the future could save, for example, the US economy, about 1.3 trillion dollars, according to the analysis done by SAP. This figure represents no less than 8 percent of the GDP of the United States, which will contribute to the reduction in the number of accidents, increased productivity by not needing human drivers, the reduction or disappearance of traffic jams and fuel savings.
For 66% of those surveyed by Accenture, the technology of the car is more important in their purchase decision than the performance of the vehicle on the road. To respond to the demand for hyperconnectivity, manufacturers are trying to equip cars with the same level of connectivity that smartphones provide with modern navigation systems and digital entertainment centers. In addition, mechanical components are being transformed and are becoming increasingly digital.
Hyperconnectivity and digitization of components is also complicating manufacturing. A typical saloon, for example, may contain 30 electronic devices that the manufacturer has to assemble in its own plant. The introduction of sensors in the equipment used for manufacturing will also improve production. Steps are being taken towards “smart manufacturing”, although the change is not being easy.
The profile of the personnel hired by car manufacturers will also change, which is closer to that of Information Technology and there are more and more personnel from the high-tech sector.