Connected Cars: The Gateway to Tomorrow
Tom Blackie, the head of automotive at Real VNC, delves into how technology will shape the future of vehicles, their roles, and their management.
Cars have evolved dramatically over time, but the past few years have seen some of the most transformative changes, with even more on the horizon. From plans to phase out new petrol and diesel cars in certain countries to the rise of electric vehicles and the buzz around autonomous cars, the landscape is rapidly shifting. However, many people are unaware of the full potential vehicles hold.
Smart Cities
With more people living in urban areas than ever before, smart cities are expected to ease congestion through efficient processes, with vehicles playing a crucial role. Imagine cars communicating with smart traffic lights that adapt based on traffic conditions, prioritizing bikes for safety or ambulances for emergencies. Future fleet management will involve control centers using real-time data to optimize routes, prevent gridlock, and enhance delivery times.
In this smart system, it could become normal for nearby trucks to take on unexpected cargo during a breakdown, predict and avoid traffic and weather issues, and make transport networks less congested and more efficient.
Connected Taxi
Traditional taxi firms are finding it tough to compete with ride-sharing services. For instance, San Francisco’s Yellow Cab had to seek bankruptcy protection last year. However, this competition is pushing traditional taxi services to innovate, benefiting both the industry and customers.
These traditional taxis will soon offer connected features, letting passengers stream apps to in-cab screens or receive personalized, location-based ads. For example, Metrocab is already building taxis where passengers can stream emails and music from their devices to in-cab screens, and drivers can get real-time traffic and weather updates to reduce travel time, creating a modern and enhanced journey experience.
Monetizing the Connected Vehicle
With the connected vehicle market set to hit £120bn by 2022, it’s no wonder stakeholders are looking for new revenue streams. The new technology in cars opens up possibilities for monetizing drivers and passengers in previously impossible ways. Vehicles are now generating valuable data that can enhance safety, entertainment, or even be shared with insurance companies. This could lead to vehicles receiving personalized, location-based ads, remote diagnostics and upgrades from dealerships, and more.
Just as mobile phones have evolved from simple communication devices to essential day-to-day tools, vehicles are set to undergo a similar transformation. They will not only help people get from one place to another but will become integral to our daily choices and experiences.
