The wireless car will have to wait
Date: 2002-12-08
It seems like just a matter of months ago that car makers and wireless service providers were telling us we were on the verge of cars with wireless connections to the internet, email, GPS navigation and more. They forgot about the consumer. Recent surveys have shown that consumers are very conservative in their desire for these futuristic technologies and aren't prepared to ante up much cash to pay for them.
"Telematics" is the term used for the group of technologies that enable the wireless exchange of information between vehicles and remote sources, such as the Internet, traffic information, concierge services (shopping online and information about entertainment, etc.). Until recently, car manufacturers and other providers (for example AT&T Wireless, Deutche Telekom and Microsoft) were rushing to be first with the latest and best. Now they're holding off and taking a more considered look.
A recent survey by Jupiter Media Metrix reveals why. It seems that only about 12% of drivers have any interest in in-car email and less than 5% are interested in "live concierge" services such as GM OnStar. However, 45% showed an interest in navigation and emergency services and 36% in remote monitoring.
Nevertheless, the telematics market is still being predicted to be worth $40 billion by 2010.
- What is telematics and why is it sick?
- Telematics: boon or bust?
- Defending your car
- Drivers.com on communications
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