Consumers worldwide have grown increasingly comfortable with (and demanding of) the technology features of modern cars. At the same time, attitudes can vary widely depending on consumer age, country, and brand preference. Consumers also express valid concerns about the safety of autonomous driving systems and cybersecurity. It is up to the industry to create a connected car that rises to the challenge or risk losing market share to those that can gain and keep the confidence of their consumers.

Roadway sensors that can detect hazards and alert drivers to avoid them. Traffic signals that detect approaching public buses and automatically turn green. Real-time data collection that empowers urban planners to make more intelligent decisions—These and other infrastructure improvements utilizing dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) will result in increased safety and efficiency for traffic systems, pedestrians, and cyclists, and are critical for V2X technology to fulfill its potential.

Despite delay in rolling out battery-powered semis, advancements in trucking technologies continue apace. Smarter V2V communications, GPS, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and other Telematics are already delivering cost savings and better safety. Systems that monitor and track weather, route conditions, driver behavior, fuel-consumption, tire health and more, feed data back to fleet managers for analysis and, if necessary, intervention. Make sure your device can pass the test.

Consumers worldwide have grown increasingly comfortable with (and demanding of) the technology features of modern cars. At the same time, attitudes can vary widely depending on consumer age, country, and brand preference. Consumers also express valid concerns about the safety of autonomous driving systems and cybersecurity. It is up to the industry to create a connected car that rises to the challenge or risk losing market share to those that can gain and keep the confidence of their consumers.