All About Cars – Your Guide to All Things Auto By Make and Model

The ten-year pact is the first between an automaker and Google, but it won’t be the last.  It’s expected that automakers will begin collaborating with the tech giant on developing self-driving cars, according to industry experts.

“No one knows more about getting people from point A to point B than Google.” – Mark Reuss, General Motors’ head of global product development.

Here is Your Guide to All Things Auto By Make and Model:

• When it comes to cars, the auto industry is experiencing a seismic shift with the introduction of new technology and business models.  While established automakers continue to produce vehicles that people want to buy, they’re also looking for ways to innovate while maintaining control of their brands – or at least a semblance of control in an era when a vehicle’s software has as much influence on its performance as its engine.
• Enter Google, which has been developing self-driving car technology for some time now.
• In May 2012, Google revealed that it had designed a fully functional prototype driverless car.  The news was big but largely ignored by the automotive press because many assumed it would be impractical – something to enjoy reading about on the Internet, but not a serious consideration for dealership showrooms.
• Fast forward 18 months, however, and it’s clear that Google has opened new doors in the automotive world.  Automakers are partnering with tech companies to develop driverless cars of their own while at the same time becoming more Web-savvy by offering online services.
• “This is just one example of how dramatically technology has changed our industry,” said Michael Millikin, global Web content editor for New & Used Car Reviews at Kelley Blue Book. “Nowadays you can unlock your car with an iPhone app or check fuel economy via smartphone.”
• What follows is a list of ways in which automakers are evolving with respect to technology.

• First, automakers are partnering with technology companies to develop driverless cars.  In February, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced a partnership with Google for the technology giant’s autonomous vehicle software to be installed in 100 Pacifica minivans. The vehicles will join Google’s test fleet sometime next year.
• Although this is the first agreement between an automaker and Google, Millikin expects more partnerships to evolve over time. “It was only a matter of time before automakers began collaborating with Silicon Valley,” he said. “No one knows more about getting people from point A to point B than Google.”
• At the same time, however, automakers recognize that they must maintain control of their brands and – as has been evident since Apple unveiled the first iPhone – the companies don’t want to be at the mercy of others when it comes to “building” their products.
• As a result, automakers are eagerly adopting technologies that they can develop on their own.  One prime example is General Motors’ OnStar system, which offers hands-free calling, turn-by-turn navigation and other features through an embedded modem in new vehicles. The service began nearly 20 years ago as a simple way for GM drivers to call for roadside assistance or directions back to their homes after getting lost. Since then, OnStar has evolved into what some critics describe as a driverless car that isn’t actually driving itself.  For example, with OnStar’s remote diagnostics feature, motorists can schedule service appointments or request help if they’ve locked themselves out of their cars.

• “There’s a lot of technology in the car today. That customers don’t know about because it is hide from view,” Millikin said. “Customers tend to only notice technology when it breaks. Which means many automakers are now installing backup cameras. And other features so they can be fixed at the dealership.”
• Of course, these changes have implications for both dealerships and consumers.  One change is that automakers will lean more heavily on third parties to handle automotive business. By selling their vehicles online rather than through traditional retailers.  For example, GM recently announced Maven, an urban mobility company that will offer short-term leases on GM vehicles. As well as a variety of alternatives, such as car sharing and rental.
• Another change is that dealerships will need to invest in new equipment. So they can easily update the infotainment systems in their customers’ cars.  Automakers frequently introduce new features and services which require dealership staff. To upgrade onboard computers so they can be activate by customers with the push of a button.

Conclusion:  

The combination of technology companies and automakers working together to bring driverless cars. At the same time that automakers are becoming more Web-savvy. By offering online services is bringing about a transformation in the automotive industry.  One prime example is General Motors’ OnStar system, which offers hands-free callin. Turn-by-turn navigation and other features through an embedded modem in new vehicles.