Today's Pick (01/03/12/035/729) OEMs stand to gain from growing in-vehicle tech market

OEMs stand to gain from growing in-vehicle tech market

KUALA LUMPUR: The growing demand for in-vehicle technologies among car owners can benefit local original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) keen to capitalise on the US$70 billion (RM210 billion) market.

Terence Foo, a partner at the global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company Accenture, said these technologies are no longer limited to the luxury vehicle market segment.

He said local OEM suppliers should consider seeking collaboration with car manufacturers to offer seamless "connected vehicles."

Accenture recently surveyed 7,000 drivers across seven countries, including 1,000 drivers in Malaysia about their preferences for in-car safety, anti-theft and entertainment technologies.

The online survey found that most drivers here are interested in using automated driver-assistance and traffic-avoidance technologies in the future, said Foo.

Briefing the press on the findings of the survey, Foo said 91 per cent of the Malaysian respondents wanted a technology that automatically called a recovery organisation when their cars broke down.

He added that only one per cent of the respondents said their cars currently have this technology, indicating a strong demand for cars with such systems.

"Collaboration with car manufacturers to offer such technologies is timely as this can influence sales," he said.

Accenture estimated that the growing popularity of these technologies could add up to US$200 (RM600) in revenues per vehicle in mature markets each year.

Accenture's Connected Vehicle Group managing director Marcello Tamietti said in a statement that in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems are quickly becoming part of mass market car buying around the world."

As consumer desire for IVI technologies grows, it will be important for automotive manufacturers to seek partnerships that can offer a sustained, seamless IVI experience," he said.

He added that IVI technologies are capturing the imagination of global consumers, whether in developed or emerging markets.

"The key challenge for vehicle manufacturers will be keeping pace with the ever-changing technologies which car buyers want and capitalising on the tremendous potential that the IVI market represents," said Tamietti.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 1 March 2012
Today's Pick (01/03/12/035/729)