In-car parking info ranked most valuable connected car feature by drivers
Have you ever wished that you could find and book a car space from the comfort of your car? According to a new study, you're not alone.A new study into connected car features and driver expectations has seen in-car parking information ranked as the most valued and demanded by drivers around the world. The Connected Features Interest Survey Report by TechInsights surveyed 4990 drivers in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy and China.
Respondents were asked questions about 28 different connected car features and were invited to rank them in importance to them. The features covered a variety of services from parking information to traffic alerts, in-car payments, the ability to read and update social media through the vehicle as well as being able to share sat-nav routes with friends and family.
Driving-related functionality, such as finding available parking spaces near a destination, traffic alerts and being able to pay for parking, fuel and tolls directly from the car were amongst the most desirable features. The survey results show drivers’ increasing expectations for parking to be seamlessly integrated into the in-car infotainment system and in-built maps application.
The report noted that drivers are increasingly concerned about whether they will be able to find parking at their destination especially those with larger vehicles who have a higher preference to reserve spaces at their destination.
Meanwhile, the survey data highlights how in-car payments have gone from being predominantly used by early adopters, to a highly desirable function, with a probability of choice for 56% of global respondents and ranking just 12% behind the top global priority. In-vehicle payments relate to services such as parking, fuel, tolls and food across all age groups and technology engagement levels.
Duncan Licence, Chief Product Officer at Parkopedia, a parking service provider said that as our roads get busier and drivers’ lives become more hectic, a demand for journey-related connected features is expected.
"The challenge now for OEMs is to prioritise the most in-demand services and provide a holistic driving experience with the seamless integration of navigation and parking services to take the stress out of their drivers’ journeys. This latest survey shows that many automakers are still lagging behind their customers’ expectations when it comes to delivering the right services, with select OEMs electing to withhold certain connected car features as a cost-saving.
"However, the data and feedback globally shows that many drivers are likely to avoid certain vehicles or brands if their data, mapping and in-car payment services do not meet today’s expectations.”
The results indicate that drivers are becoming more confident in using these services thanks to the reduction in perceived complexity and valuing the heightened convenience and removal of physical contact required.
While other in-car features with more of a gimmicky appeal such as in-car games, email or social media integrations and calendar management, which are now available in a growing number of makes and models including EVs like Tesla Model Y, were typically seen as far less desirable than those that are journey-related.
Related: The best apps to help you find parking
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