Here is a concept that many vehicle makers have been pursuing for a while now…making your vehicle a hot spot wireless connected tool. Chrysler will give a peek at their UConnectWeb system tomorrow…it may become available next year. Of course, like everything else having to do with technology…there is a huge push to be the first to have the most cutting edge program or system available, that the masses can’t live without.
It stands to reason that automakers, who are struggling to survive in the US economy, have to find a way to be the number one producer of vehicles that customers are standing in line to purchase. Branding their vehicle as being able to keep them connected to the internet, entertaining them, allowing them to be reachable at all times with cellphone technology, guiding them with GPS systems, giving them real -time -up- to -date road conditions; as well as, sensors to prevent accidents is really a plan to meet their customer’s needs on all levels. If they can do all of that and make it affordable…it is a no brainer…the auto industry will have a revival of sorts.
Now, playing the devils advocate…with the high cost of gasoline…will these latest high quality cutting edge vehicle’s become anything more than top of the line, self- sufficient lawn ornaments? Time will tell on that…but, there is definately a market of course…because there is always a customer, or two million who will HAVE to have the latest and the greatest on the market.
As for those who are concerned about the driver of the vehicle using the technology while driving…i think that there will be some valid concerns there. The laws of the land will have to be proactive, in this regard; to keep up with the quick evolution of technology in our daily lives; to keep the roads safe from those who will violate common sense. Business people will appreciate the new gadgets; as not all hotels are reliable or consistent in the wi-fi that they provide their customers.
Another serious concern is in the area of crime…carjacking is a terrible fact of life. If the criminal element sees the value of moving towards higher end monetary rewards in stealing these vehicles; will that increase peoples vulnerability on the road?
There will have to be some serious thought given to how to protect the customer from becoming a victim from those wishing to profit from these vehicles that will be carriers of such expensive add on features. Of course, one advantage will be that those same vehicles will be easier to track, if stolen, with the GPS systems in place 🙂 …but it will also give some validity to those who are concerned with the ever growing parameters of “big brother who watches everything we do” these days. One thing is for sure, this idea of keeping people connected, who choose to be, will definately have a huge impact on the auto industry.
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