Futuristic Tech Has Real World Benefits for Car Sales

Autonomous technology is under development despite the J.D. Power Q1 Mobility Confidence Study that shows consumers are skeptical of its integration. While it’s important tech, there are other systems under development that cast a much wider net. In fact, several mobility technologies are in development, testing, or already have arrived without fanfare.

It’s common knowledge that the auto industry is advancing at a rapid rate. But what mobility solutions should you be aware of, and how do they affect dealership business?

LiDAR

LiDAR, an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, is a huge segment of the industry that’s relatively unknown. It’s growing at an incredible rate – 40% CAGR, in fact – hinting that this technology is going to become more prevalent in the cars coming down the road.

It’s particularly useful in autonomous vehicles, but also in vehicles with semi-autonomy built in. That’s where you’ll find features like steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection systems. LiDAR may not be new technology, but its rapid expansion should be noted so sales and service personnel at the dealership level understand how features work. 

DSRC Communication

One technology being developed exclusively for the automotive realm is DSRC, or dedicated short-range communications. In fact, DSRC’s bandwidth was legislated in 2004 to service specific segments: Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. With a range of around 1000 yards, the sole purpose for DSRC is communication for connected cars.

What that means, practically speaking, is centered on active safety systems and traffic management. Extremely fast communication occurs with other DSRC signals for a reliable, sophisticated ability to assign traffic signal priority, identify pedestrians and other motorists, and even collect tolls. 

5G Integration

Another communication protocol coming down the line very soon will be 5G LTE wireless communication. It’s expected to change the game with ultra-fast data processing and transmission wirelessly, as well as over-the-air software updates. 5G can make V2X communication practical with the potential for up to 4000 wireless connections operating simultaneously without decreasing speed or reliability.

5G LTE, when it’s broadly adopted and integrated, can dramatically improve traffic flow, locate parking spaces, predict maintenance, engage with local POIs, and especially help keep motorists and non-vehicle traffic safer on the same space.  

Smart Cities

When you wrap that all up into one tidy, extremely complex and networked package, it becomes what’s known as a Smart City. These technological initiatives embed networked sensors into infrastructure that communicate with vehicles. The result is a community with fewer traffic accidents, shorter commute times, diversified mobility solutions, and an overall more efficient city. 

Why It Matters to Dealers

While a new vehicle may have some neat new features, most customers have no idea how it integrates into real-world situations. When dealership staff – salespeople specifically – understand the technology going into cars and their true purpose, they can educate customers more thoroughly.

Anyone can read a sales brochure and recite specifications and features. But when a salesperson can relate how a certain feature or technology will improve the shopper’s way of life, they’re much more likely to think of the seller as an authority. That perspective is important to retain gross profit, control the narrative, and become the buyer’s dealer of choice.

The world of technology moves quickly and it’s almost impossible to stay abreast of everything going on. If you make an attempt, it will pay off.

Did you enjoy this article from Jason Unrau? Read other articles from him here.

Car Biz Today, the official resource of the retail automotive industry.