The rapidly developing arena of vehicle communications and connected-vehicle technology offers important opportunities for SEMA-member companies. The Specialty-Equipment Automotive Company of the Future: Guideposts for Strategic Planning (Phase I) study prepared by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), investigates trends in the connected-vehicle space through several methods: A survey of technology experts from the automotive and telematics sectors; interviews with connected-vehicle experts from the automotive industry and beyond; participation in connected vehicle forums; and participation in meetings with federal- and state-level officials.
The study identifies technology trends that are significant for members to keep in mind, since the products offered by members may help accelerate the deployment of this technology and help it reach a critical mass.
From these different sources of information, CAR identified the following trends that will affect SEMA members:
- The future of vehicle communications includes multiple channels
- OEM firewalls will limit some options (and create others)
- On-board connected-vehicle hardware will range from fully embedded to not-at-all embedded
- Connected-vehicle standards are partially in place and more are needed to spark the market
- The regulatory environment affecting the connected-vehicle environment is critical and in flux
- Data are critical (and thus may be lucrative)
“There are significant challenges, but even greater opportunities for SEMA-member companies in developing products and services for connecting drivers with their vehicles, other vehicles and the roadside infrastructure," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology.
To gain a detailed look at the identified trends and additional insights from the CAR report, participate in the "The Specialty-Equipment Automotive Company of the Future: Guideposts for Strategic Planning (Phase I)" webinar, presented by Brett Smith, CAR assistant director of the manufacturing, engineering and technology group, and Richard Wallace, CAR senior project manager.
“Specialty-equipment market companies will play a key role in accelerating the commercialization, deployment and acceptance of connected vehicle and alternative powertrain technologies,” said Waraniak. “Technology and innovation are the future of SEMA.”
Both Smith and Wallace authored the CAR study and will present findings from the report. Waraniak will moderate the session. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2009, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST).
To register for this webinar, click here.