Well-equipped modern cars are now packed with systems that, according to the manufacturer, in addition to the necessary beeps, sounds and sound signals, also provide extra safety or ease of use. What seems? These systems are remarkably often not used.
Research by the American JD Power among American and Chinese consumers shows that on average more than 1 in 3 advanced modern systems in cars have been used within 90 days in less than half of the cases. 61 percent of those surveyed even say they have never been to the part of the infotainment system where you can buy applications, for example. 51 percent of that part indicates that they have no need for it at all.
Of course there are digital systems that are popular. These appear to be systems that provide extra convenience. For example, the virtual interior mirror, so a copy with a display in it, scores high in JD Power’s research and a screen that shows what is happening under the car also scores well.
JD Power’s research reveals more interesting things. For example, an extensive explanation by the car salesman about a system ensures that the customer ultimately has a more positive feeling about a certain system, although the majority of the respondents (71 percent) received an explanation from an external party. Car owners also appear not to be particularly charmed by gesture control, systems that make it possible to control the volume of the audio system by swiping, turning or waving hands, for example.
Genesis comes out on top in the ‘premium class’ as the best brand. Systems from Hyundai’s luxury division score a score of 634 out of 1,000 achievable points in JD Power’s so-called Innovation Index. Tesla scores higher with 668 points, but is mentioned separately because Tesla did not allow JD Power to conduct research in all US states. After Genesis, Cadillac (551), Volvo (550), BMW (545) and Mercedes-Benz (523) follow. Of the ‘volume brands’, Hyundai comes out on top with 519 points, followed by sister brand Kia (510), Nissan, (502), Subaru (499) and GMC (498). In the overall assessment, JD Power takes into account not only how the user experiences the system, but also whether and to what extent there have been technical problems.
Note that this research does not relate to the European market, but it does provide an interesting picture of how consumers perceive the technology deluge elsewhere.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl