3 Key Things You Should Know about Connected Vehicle Data Trends and the Automotive Aftermarket

Think about the vehicle you owned a decade ago vs. the one you drive today – even if it is the same make – there are significant detailed differences. From the interior design to the shape of the headlights to built-in WiFi, our preferred interactions with our vehicles are ever-changing. Today, our cars tell us when we are too close to the curb or merging in an unsafe lane, among many other things. Some can even drive for us! Can you believe that these features will only evolve over the next decade? In this blog, we’ll provide three key points you should know about Connected Vehicle Trends that enhance the future of the automotive aftermarket:

Modern vehicles are:

• Highly sophisticated machines equipped with hundreds of electronic control units (ECUs).
• Ever-increasing software lines of code; and 
• Advanced technology providing critical functionalities. 

In addition to working towards adopting new vehicle architectures, today’s vehicles are also more connected, allowing for services like 3D navigation, advanced infotainment solutions, 5G capable telematics use-cases, diagnostics, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates from automakers. Remote technology monetizes data, raises service productivity, reduces costs, and increases customer satisfaction.

Why is Vehicle Data So Important in the Aftermarket?

Two key factors currently driving the market are customer and vehicle data. The improvements mentioned above in vehicle connectivity have resulted in rapid growth in vehicle data. This data allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) opportunities to monetize it, analyze the vehicle and driver engagement and develop efficient features for the aftermarket. Including capabilities such as customized service offerings, remote diagnostic testing and so much more! Experts also note the multitude of tangible insights retrieved from vehicle data increases brand loyalty when resolving customer issues. 

Let’s Talk Numbers!

By 2028, the prediction is that there will be 1.6 billion vehicles on the road and 789 million will be connected vehicles. While this is an exponential increase, one global challenge is that the serviceability of these vehicles isn’t forecasted to outlive the vehicle. The average lifespan for serviceability is just seven years for a car that could typically last up to 12 years. Global OEMs are investing in longer serviceable connections. At the same time, the U.S. has a commanding lead as General Motors (GM) manages the largest fleet of connected vehicles in the U.S. with 10-year serviceability.

What Challenges Are Associated with Connected Vehicles?

With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and vehicle software becoming increasingly complex, system updates require advanced skill sets. This could cause problems for independent repair shops because it is more complex than equipping mechanics with a workshop for maintenance services. Vehicle software and technology advancements also increase car parts and repair costs. 

Wait, There’s More…

Auto Care Association’s strategic partner, S&P Global Mobility’s very own Research and Analysis Manager, Brian Rhodes and Principal Research Analysis, Fanni Li expounded upon this topic during a webinar. If you missed it, stream the playback on our Digital Hub.