opinion | trend forecast 2014
relationship, where one doesn’t exist without the other. Globally the automobile industry is embracing this change, and moving from selling a product (car) to creating a product-service platform to engage and deliver a unique driving experience to its customers. In 2014, we will see emergence of such product-service ecosystems that will transform various traditional industries including the automobile sector. As the cost of owning a vehicle continues to rise, people are looking for new alternatives like shared ownership and mobility on demand services such as ZipCar and Lyft for example. It is very important for traditional car companies to reinvent themselves and adapt to the evolving needs of their customers. Car companies are also looking beyond just creating safer, cleaner, efficient and affordable cars. They are re-imagining cars as a touch point for delivering a meaningful and fully integrated service experience for their customers to win customer loyalty and retention. Cars will become increasingly digital
and move to a centralized computing model. For example, in the near future car companies will offer a full range of services to allow customization and co-design of cars by the buyer, with an option to share these designs to encourage social dialogue around it. This will eventually help them build brand awareness and acquire new customers. The connected car will transform into a platform for delivery and consumption of services like media content, infotainment, geodata services, car servicing and maintenance. The connected car will be able to collect data about users’ driving habits that will eventually help them drive more ecologically and efficiently. The car will learn and adapt to a user’s needs – it will recognize you and based on your past preferences, offer a customized driving experience just for you. It will switch on the AC, turn on your favorite radio station, and adjust the seat and rearview mirrors. The car will also tell you when you have your next meeting, and that you have time to grab a coffee before heading to the www.poolmagazine.in 5