Strategy Analytics Automotive Consumer Insights

Consumer Interest and Willingness to Pay for ADAS and Telematics

Chris Schreiner — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics surveyed consumers in the US and Western Europe regarding their interest and willingness to pay for ADAS and telematics services. Blind spot detection systems were at or near the top in both regions in terms of consumer interest and willingness to pay. Stolen vehicle assistance was the top telematics service in both regions, and consumers in the US were also very interested in remote door unlock. Consumers were largely wary of autonomous driving assistance systems.

Keywords: Night vision, ADAS, Automotive, Autonomous Driving, Telematics, ADAS, Automotive, autonomous driving, Telematics, blind spot detection, ACI

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

2013 Shanghai Auto Show

Alvin Wu — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

In the latest Shanghai Auto Show, cloud based multi-screen experiences have started to expand in this industry. Manufacturers including BYD and Chery, introduced their cloud based services (BYD Cloud Services and Chery Cloudrive) which enable users to control and monitor their vehicles remotely. With the increasing needs of a closer connection between smartphones and vehicles, in-vehicle application experiences have become important. The newly introduced iBeetle by Volkswagen claimed to be able to fully integrate with the iPhone, and enable users to use their iPhone apps conveniently while driving. However, in order to provide a superior multiscreen experience, 4G/LTE connectivity in car will be a key trend in the coming years.

Keywords: 4G, Cloud, Connected Car, Multi-Screen, Apple, BMW, Buick, BYD, Volkswagen, Chery, ACI

Bose Again Leads in Premium Audio Brand Perception

Chris Schreiner — Mon, 06 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics surveyed consumers in the US and Western Europe regarding their perception of premium audio brands. More consumers rated Bose as a preferred brand than any other in the US, UK, France, and Germany. The percentage that rate Sony as a preferred brand fell in both the US and Western Europe. Bang & Olufsen had a strong showing in Western Europe, and can challenge Bose if they improve consumer awareness. Apple was a polarizing brand for premium audio in Western Europe.

Keywords: Sony, Bose, Apple, Samsung, Bang & Olufsen, aci

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

NHTSA Releases More Sensible Driver Distraction Guidelines

Chris Schreiner — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released revised driver distraction guidelines on April 23. These revised guidelines remove the more controversial and onerous guidelines and in their place adopted a more common sense approach to managing driver distraction. The guidelines and test methods remain closely aligned with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturer's (AAM) Statement of Principles previously adopted, and highlight the positive benefit of proactive activities by OEMs to create their own solutions.

Keywords: NHTSA, driver distraction, Apps, Automotive, Google, ACI

Majority of US Smartphone Owners Use Apps while Driving

Chris Schreiner — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics surveyed consumers in the US and Western Europe regarding their mobile phone use while driving. The percentage of respondents who use mobile phones for phone calls and text messages on a daily basis has dropped in the past year in both regions, suggesting that messaging and legislation efforts on driver distraction are beginning to have an effect. However more than half of US smartphone owners and almost half of Western European smartphone owners use apps while driving, suggesting that more efforts are needed, including more compelling vehicle options for smartphone integration.

Keywords: US, Western Europe, Apps, Automotive, Connected Car, smartphone, Apps, Automotive, Connected Vehicle, driver distraction, ACI, Mobile phone, smartphone, connected car, apps

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Navigation Brand Perception: Consumers not Impressed with Apple Maps

Chris Schreiner — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics surveyed consumers regarding their brand perception for mobile phone-based navigation apps and PNDs. For phone-based navigation, Apple had a very high percentage of respondents rate it as "unacceptable" while Google was by far the preferred brand in the US. TomTom and Garmin fared well in both the US and Western Europe as they led in PND brand perception and were in the top three in phone-based navigation brand perception.

Keywords: US, Western Europe, Apps, Automotive, Mobile Phone, Navigation, Apple, Garmin, Google, TomTom, Waze, brand perception, Consumer Insights, ACI

Infotainment Usage and Interest: US Consumers Moving Towards Mechless

Chris Schreiner — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics surveyed consumers in the US and Western Europe regarding their usage, satisfaction, and interest in various sources of in-vehicle infotainment. Usage and interest in CD players has markedly decreased, and usage has been surpassed by portable music players. Western Europe lags slightly behind the US in moving towards mechless. Interest in internet and HD radio is relatively low and not increasing. AM/FM radio remains consumers' first choice for in-vehicle infotainment.

Keywords: iPod, infotainment, Apple, apps, connected car, satellite radio, HD radio, digital radio, ACI

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Consumer Interest in Connected Services and Brands

Chris Schreiner — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics surveyed consumers in the US and Western Europe regarding their interest in connected services and their preferences for brands for social networking, local search, and internet radio. Consumers strongly prefer services that are related to the driving task, and US consumers also displayed an interest in internet radio. Interest in internet radio has not markedly increased in the past year, while interest in social networking services has decreased.

Keywords: Connected Car, smartphone, connectivity, Apple, Android, GM, Toyota, Chrysler, Ford, Apps, ACI

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Consumer Usage of Apple's Siri and Implications for Siri Eyes Free

Chris Schreiner — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics conducted multiple online surveys and focus groups to determine usage of Siri among current Apple owners, user experience limitations, and interest in having Siri Eyes Free for their vehicle. Less than half of Siri owners use the feature at least once a week, and phone calling is the feature for which Siri is used most often. Interest in Siri Eyes Free overall is in line with current usage. Apple needs to expand Siri's functionality and ensure in-vehicle accuracy in order to improve usage and interest among consumers.

Keywords: Apple, Siri Eyes Free, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, aci

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Consumer Interest in Usage Based Insurance

Alvin Wu — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In October 2012, Strategy Analytics surveyed 1046 vehicle owners in the US and 1381 in Western Europe, investigating their interest in usage based insurance. Relatively more respondents in the US exhibited interest in usage based insurance than in Western Europe. In the US, male respondents are slightly more likely to be interested in usage based insurance than female respondents, while in Western Europe, female respondents showed interest over male respondents. In both regions, respondents 20-24 exhibited the greatest interest in usage based insurance.

Keywords: usage based insurance, BMW, Consumer Interest, ACI

Wireless Charging: Consumer Interest and Barriers to Adoption

Chris Schreiner — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics surveyed consumers in the US and Western Europe regarding their interest in having wireless charging solutions in their vehicle. Interest was higher in the US and tended to be higher among females. Younger age groups also expressed greater interest. Barriers to adoption of wireless charging include consumer interest in accessing content from their smartphone while driving, which is best achieved through USB ports, particularly when considering access to apps in connected infotainment systems.

Keywords: wireless charging, smartphone, US, Western Europe, Automotive, Wireless Charging, Consumer, User Experience, aci

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Towards a Holistic and Integrated Connected Car Experience

Chris Schreiner — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

More OEMs are moving toward an icon-based design for accessing connected services. While this facilitates discovery and access, as more apps enter the car, the strategy of mirroring in the car the app experience on the smartphone will be the wrong strategy. An app mentality works well for smartphones but outside of discovery and access fails in the car environment. A more holistic and integrated approach will be necessary for advanced functionality for delivering location-based services, music, and information to the driver.

Keywords: connected car, Apple, user experience, design, aci

UX Issues Already Apparent with Volvo Sensus Connected Touch

Chris Schreiner — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In 2013, Volvo will be rolling out its connected infotainment system, called Sensus Connected Touch. Relying on Parrot for the app feature set, this Android-based system provides a wide variety of connected services, but Strategy Analytics' own user experience research on similar systems from Parrot and expert assessments of early demonstrations of Sensus Connected Touch highlights scope for improvement on several user experience aspects that otherwise can negatively impact the usefulness of, and satisfaction with, the system.

Keywords: Volvo, Parrot, connected services, apps, connected vehicles, ACI, Telematics

CES 2013: Steady UX Improvements in Infotainment

Chris Schreiner — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics assessed potential advancements to the in-vehicle user experience demonstrated at CES 2013 in Las Vegas. Around connectivity, Chevy MyLink further enhanced the personalization of infotainment by making it easier for users to rearrange icons. Audi demonstrated autonomous driving under limited circumstances and how handover of control would occur. Delphi and Hyundai showed driver-facing cameras for workload management.

Keywords: CES, Lexus, Toyota, GM, MyLink, BlueLink, Hyundai, Ford, Chevrolet, Automotive, autonomous driving, Connected Car, HMI, Apple, Audi, Delphi, GM, Hyundai, Lexus, User Experience, ACI

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Vehicle Safety at the Crossroads - Literally

Roger Lanctot — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation, the European Commission and many other national transportation regulators settled on Dedicated Short-Range Communication technology (DSRC) as a preferred technology for connecting vehicles in develop efforts to resolve the problem of intersection collisions four years ago, before the explosion in global smartphone adoption. These agencies continue to turn a blind eye to the potential of smartphone connectivity to provide a mitigating solution to this scourge which, in the U.S. alone, produces 3M accidents, 1.5M injuries and 9,100 fatalities annually.

Keywords: HMI, Telematics, Services & OS

Comparing the User Experience of Connected Vehicles

Chris Schreiner — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Through user benchmarks and heuristic evaluations, Strategy Analytics rated connected infotainment offerings from major OEMs. GM MyLink provides the best overall experience though Chrysler UConnect, Cadillac CUE, and SAIC's InkaNet are not far behind. UX improvements must be made in all systems to compel users to switch from using their smartphone for connected services and move to the head unit. Subscription models will also inhibit usage of connected services.

Keywords: Ford, SYNC, MyFord Touch, GM, Cadillac CUE, Toyota, Entune, Honda, Nissan, Chrysler, UConnect, BMW, Audi, User Experience, ACI, Best Practice

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Waze: Social Community Shines, but Basic Navigation UX Needs Improvement

Chris Schreiner — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Waze revamped their mobile app for the iPhone and Android operating systems at the end of October, with new features allowing users to share trips with friends, track friends, and send pick-up requests. Combined with its crowdsourcing features for traffic and incident reports, Waze is providing daily relevance for its users, which is something traditional navigation applications struggle to provide. However, while the social networking aspects of Waze are pushing the envelope for location-based social services, Waze still struggles to provide reliable basic navigation services and remains overly distracting to use while driving.

Keywords: Waze, Apple, Navigation, Traffic, Social Networking, ACI, Best Practice

Consumers Interested in Text Message Readout, but not Smartphone-Based Safety Features

Alvin Wu — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This report presents the findings of Strategy Analytics' web survey investigating drivers' interest in specific smartphone features that enhance the driving experience, including certain advanced driving assistance systems such as speed warnings, and forward collision warnings using the phone's camera. Both in the US and Western Europe, consumer interest in the ability to have text message readout is high, but consumer interest in ADAS features based on the smartphone was not.

Keywords: ADAS, Consumer Behaviour, In-car, Text, Messaging, Phone, Smartphone, Safety, ACI

Consumers Prefer Using Own Data Plan for In-Vehicle Connectivity

Chris Schreiner — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As OEMs continue to travel further down different paths regarding connectivity options, the consumer's preference as to how they want the data in the car handled needs to be addressed. Will consumers opt for a monthly modem fee after a set free period? Would they rather use their smartphone data plan? How about a pay per use model or paying a heftier price up front for an embedded modem without a monthly fee? How OEMs provide a connectivity model for consumers can have an impact on how those connectivity solutions will be perceived.

Keywords: Connected services, smartphone, smartphone tethering, telematics, ACI

Impact of Mobile Navigation App Usage on Consumer Perceptions of PNDs and Embedded Navigation Systems

Alvin Wu — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This report presents the results of Strategy Analytics' web survey investigating the impact of mobile navigation apps on dedicated portable navigation devices and embedded navigation systems. Though mobile navigation apps provided better POI experiences, respondents who own multiple navigation systems claimed that PNDs and embedded navigation systems provided a better overall user experience, which was mainly caused by the relatively better experience for following navigation directions. Nevertheless, most current PND owners admitted that they were unlikely to buy another PND in the future, while a majority of embedded navigation owners would be likely to purchase one in the future.

Keywords: Navigation, Sat Nav, Smartphone, PND, Portable Navigation Device, Apps, Embedded Navigation, Mobile Navigation, ACI

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Consumer Interest in Rear Seat Video Entertainment: Built-In DVD Players Hold Slight Edge

Alvin Wu — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This report presents the findings of Strategy Analytics' web survey on consumer interest in in-vehicle rear seat video. While consumer interest in all listed in-vehicle rear seat video capabilities were generally low, respondents in both the US and Western Europe exhibited highest interest in built-in rear seat DVD systems, though in the US interest in streaming video was close behind.

Keywords: Rear seat entertainment, consumer interest, streaming video, blu-ray, iPad/Tablet docking, rear seat video, aci

Implications of Autonomous Vehicles on Automotive User Experience

Alvin Wu — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Autonomous vehicles will fundamentally alter the driving experience. Consumer adoption of autonomous vehicles will hinge on trust and reliability which has been increasing for other forms of intelligent systems. Driver education will need to be completely overhauled, while developing regions which lack a real "driving culture" will have an easier time adapting. More infotainment features are possible but will need to be linked to the autonomous driving system. The handover of control of the vehicle needs to be carefully managed, especially when it is initiated by the vehicle.

Keywords: Connected TV, Head-up Display, Voice Recognition, autonomous driving, Google, Toyota, Autonomous Vehicles, HMI, Google, self-driving, infotainment, connected vehicles, ACI

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

User Experience Evaluation: Toyota Entune

Chris Schreiner — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics conducted an evaluation of the Toyota Entune system in a 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser. Entune, when combined with Sirius/XM data services, provides the amount and types of connected services consumers need and want. However, Entune needs to have better integration in terms of location of apps and overall style and design. Speech recognition capabilities which were included in the latest update of Entune are inconsistent with the rest of the interface and need to be expanded to cover additional app functionality.

Keywords: Toyota, Entune, User Experience, HMI, Apps, Connected Car, Apps, Automotive, Connected Car, HMI, Internet Radio, Navigation, Voice Recognition, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Toyota, ACI

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

User Experience Evaluation: Samsung DriveLink with MirrorLink-Enabled Sony XAV-601BT

Alvin Wu — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics conducted a heuristic evaluation of a MirrorLink enabling app, the Samsung DriveLink, on a Samsung Galaxy SIII with a MirrorLink enabled head-unit Sony XAV-601BT. It was easy to access the music, navigation, and the phone features from the homepage, and most tasks were done without difficulty. However, the lack of voice controls seriously hampers ease of use for music search and other complex tasks. Users also expect to find AM/FM radio and other embedded features to still be accessible through MirrorLink.

Keywords: Samsung, MirrorLink, Galaxy SIII, benchmark, user experience, Head-up Display, HMI, MirrorLink, ACI

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Automotive HMI Trends: Natural Language and Touchscreens Required for Connectivity

Chris Schreiner — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

OEMs are striving more than ever to differentiate their infotainment offerings with HMI. Combining market forecasts and user experience insights, Strategy Analytics assesses existing and developing HMI to determine their usefulness, user experience, and long term outlook. Touchscreens and speech recognition should be the primary methods of interaction in the vehicle, particularly for connected services, smartphone apps, smartphone connectivity, and other advanced features.

Keywords: HMI, interface, automotive, connected car, gesture, speech recognition, ACI, Apple, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Connected Car, touchscreen, Voice Recognition

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

MMI Will Continue to Limit Audi Connect

Chris Schreiner — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

European OEMs such as Audi and BMW have tried to take the lead in providing connected services, but have done so by sticking to their traditional manual controls. The success of services like Audi Connect is limited when Audi's MMI controller is the method for accessing these services. Capacitive touchscreens and natural language speech recognition will be necessary for easy discoverability and optimized user experience.

Keywords: Apps, Audio, Automotive, Connected Car, HMI, Navigation, Telematics, Audi, Audi Connect, HMI, user experience, connected vehicle, Benchmark, Connected Vehicle, User Experience, aci

Consumer Interest in Hybrids Strong, but Range Anxiety Still Hampers EVs

Chris Schreiner — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics surveyed consumers in the US, Western Europe, and China regarding their interest in hybrid and electric vehicles. Consumers are more willing to consider hybrids in all regions than they are a luxury sedan, but are much less willing to consider electric vehicles. Range anxiety is still a major concern across almost all age groups in all regions. For hybrids, issues regarding initial purchase price, concerns over actual fuel savings, and repair costs are concerns which vary across regions and age groups.

Keywords: Electric, EV, Hybrid, Automotive, Electric Vehicle, Hybrid Vehicle, ACI, User Experience, China, North America, US, Western Europe

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

User Experience Evaluation: Cadillac CUE

Chris Schreiner — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Strategy Analytics conducted a user evaluation with 12 users of the Cadillac CUE infotainment system. The speech interface was easy to use, with the exception of navigation commands. The proximity sensors which changed the display when the driver's hand approaches received mixed reviews and altered how a few participants reached for the display. Haptic feedback was largely regarded positively. Better access to applications and a ubiquitous home key on the touchscreen would improve the user experience.

Keywords: Cadillac, GM, CUE, user experience, benchmark, Best Practice, ACI, Apps, Automotive, Connected Audio System, Connected Car, Display, HMI, Internet Radio, Mobile Phone, Navigation, Radio, smartphone, touchscreen, Voice Recognition, General Motors, GM

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

HondaLink with Aha Looking to Attract Consumers with Compelling Content

Chris Schreiner — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Honda announced HondaLink, its attempt to catch up in the connected vehicle space. Honda is banking that consumers will flock to content provided by Aha Radio, including internet radio, Facebook, Twitter, and podcasts. HondaLink will likely suffer from user experience issues with regards to basic HMI, and in particular its text-heavy design. Facebook and Twitter applications would need to be altered to be useful to consumers.

Keywords: Apps, Automotive, Connected Audio System, Connected Car, HMI, Internet Radio, smartphone, touchscreen, Applications, Connected Vehicle, Social Networking, User Experience, Honda, Aha, Harman, HondaLink, Facebook, Twitter, aci

Consumer Interest and Willingness to Pay for ADAS and Telematics

Chris Schreiner — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Blindspot detection and night vision systems remain the top two advanced driver assistance systems in terms of consumer interest in the US and Western Europe. Consumer interest in all types of ADAS examined in the US, Western Europe, and China increased over the previous year, but willingness to pay for them decreased with the exception of China. Less than half of consumers who are interested in OnStar-like telematics systems are willing to pay for them.

Keywords: safety, ADAS, blindspot, telematics, night vision, aci,China, US, Western Europe, Automotive, Connected Car, Telematics

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999