Introduction
During the period to 2022, the global Automotive Infotainment market will experience a significant transformation, resulting from the confluence of technological advancements, regulatory pressures, and changing consumer preferences. The rapid proliferation of connected vehicle features and the rise of ADAS are reshaping the landscape and driving innovation among suppliers. Moreover, regulatory pressures to enhance vehicle safety and reduce driver distraction are pushing the industry to focus on the development of intuitive user interfaces and seamless connectivity. As consumers demand a more personalised and immersive in-car experience, it is vital that suppliers and manufacturers understand these trends and take advantage of them to stay ahead of the competition in a dynamic marketplace. This report will analyse the key trends driving the Automotive Infotainment market and highlight their strategic importance for industry players.
Top Trends
- Integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Harman International is at the forefront of integrating ADAS into infotainment systems. By 2025, according to industry projections, more than half of new cars will be equipped with ADAS. The trend is toward greater safety and improved driver and passenger experience, which is driving the demand for more sophisticated infotainment solutions. In the future, there may be an increased emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence for predictive analysis of driving behavior.
- Rise of Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
Over-the-air (OTA) updates are revolutionizing the landscape of vehicle infotainment systems, enabling manufacturers to send software updates directly to vehicles. Several manufacturers have adopted this technology, including Continental AG. Recent studies show that 70 percent of consumers prefer a vehicle that can be easily updated. OTA reduces service costs, increases customer satisfaction, and enables continuous vehicle improvement.
- Increased Focus on User Experience (UX)
Alpine Electronics has put the emphasis on intuitive operation. In a survey of consumers, 80 per cent of them say that ease of use is the most important factor in their choice of an in-car system. This trend is driving manufacturers to invest in UX (User Experience) design, which in turn leads to greater customer retention and brand loyalty in the highly competitive in-car systems market.
- Expansion of Connectivity Features
There is a growing demand for smart phone integration and cloud services. According to a survey by DENSO, about 60% of consumers expect their car to be connected to the Internet. This is driving investments in 5G and other technologies that will make it possible to share information in real time and enhance in-car functions, which may also lead to new business models in the automotive industry.
- Adoption of Voice Recognition Technology
The voice recognition technology has been increasingly incorporated into the car’s infotainment systems, with Garmin leading the way in this field. In fact, research shows that for safety reasons, some 65 per cent of drivers prefer voice commands to manual ones. The trend is towards a more natural way of interacting, which is reducing distractions and will have a positive effect on future design.
- Personalization of Infotainment Systems
Personalization is becoming a key element in the development of car infotainment, where the system adapts to the individual preferences of the driver. Research shows that 75% of consumers would be more likely to choose a vehicle with a personal touch. This trend is putting pressure on manufacturers to use data to personalize the infotainment features, which can increase customer satisfaction and boost sales.
- Integration of Augmented Reality (AR)
In the field of car infotainment, augmented reality is emerging as a new, enabling technology, with applications in navigation and entertainment. The Panasonic Group is exploring ways to enhance the driving experience by combining augmented reality with its existing technology. The initial results of this research show that augmented reality can increase the accuracy of car navigation by up to 30%, and that this could lead to a significant improvement in both the driver’s experience and safety.
- Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Solutions
In the market for car-infotainment, the search for sustainable development is becoming a priority. The emphasis is on the use of environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving technologies. Reports indicate that 40 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for such features. This trend is reflected in the product development strategies of companies. These strategies aim at a better fit between the values of the consumers and the requirements of the authorities in terms of the environment.
- Enhanced Security Features
Security is becoming ever more important as the systems become more and more connected. Leading companies report an increase of 30 % in the number of attacks on the systems. The trend is to invest in robust security standards to protect the personal data of the users and to ensure the trust of the consumers.
- Collaboration with Tech Companies
The era of information systems is changing, as the automobile and the technology industries join forces. Commonplace are the alliances between Delphi and the technology companies. The alliances are expected to accelerate innovation, and the sophistication of the infotainment systems, which must be able to respond to rapidly changing consumer demands.
Conclusion: Navigating the Automotive Infotainment Landscape
The market for car radios in 2022 is expected to be highly competitive and fragmented. Both established and new entrants are expected to vie for dominance. In North America and Europe, the emphasis will be on a more personal and individualized experience. Strategic positioning will be crucial, with vendors relying on advanced capabilities such as artificial intelligence for enhanced interaction, automation for seamless integration, and sustainable initiatives to meet regulatory requirements. Also, agility in responding to changing consumer needs will be essential. The most successful players will be those that can ensure that their offerings will resonate with the increasingly tech-savvy car buyer.