Connected car features key driving factor for buyers, ET BrandEquity

Advanced features such as the connected car ecosystem, in-car entertainment systems, EV technologies, and advanced driver assistance systems, are becoming increasingly important.Connected cars are increasingly gaining popularity among new-age buyers, who are demanding continuous connectivity while travelling and enhanced safety features in their wheels of choice.

The share of connected cars in passenger vehicles sold in the Indian market doubled to 28.73% in the first nine months of 2024 from 14.47% in 2021, show data available with automobile consultancy firm Jato Dynamics. In models where connected features are available as an option, as much as 45% of the buyers went for such variants.

Given the robust demand, carmakers have started offering these features not only in premium SUVs, but even in compact models like the Hyundai Venue, micro-SUVs such as the Tata Punch and even in hatchbacks like the Tata Altroz.

Even as the average age of the car buyer in India is falling, aspiration levels among these customers are on the rise, said Hyundai Motor India chief operating officer Tarun Garg. “Customers here not only want more SUVs, they want high-end design and advanced features in their vehicles,” he said. “We (Hyundai)are seeing the penetration of top trims (in sales) continuously going up, moving up to 23% now from 14% in 2019. Features like ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), sunroofs and connectivity are continuously gaining prominence.”

Connected vehicles, which have embedded chips allowing internet access, enable drivers to transmit, store and receive information collected via sensors. This information is sent to devices within and outside the car, enabling a host of features monitoring the vehicle’s speed, sudden braking, etc.

Satinder Singh Bajwa, chief commercial officer at JSW MG Motor India, said connected cars have become significantly popular and customers expect their vehicles to connect to their existing digital world, making their driving experience safer, more comfortable and even more entertaining.

“More users are likely becoming familiar with remote service features, driven by tech trends and the ease of accessing remote services like updates, maintenance alerts, or remote unlocking,” said Ravi Bhatia, president, Jato Dynamics.

• Published On Oct 29, 2024 at 09:14 AM IST

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