After-sales services
As the aftermarket segment adapts to the connected car ecosystem, subscription-based models and mobile apps are likely to gain prominence. The features and services of these vehicles will also be modeled as aftermarket packages rather than integrated or sold individually.
In emergencies, the mobile platforms will offer assistance through remote maintenance. Integrated with the automotive web application platform, a mobile operating system can alert OEMs to requirements and help generate support requests. While illegal access to critical data and operating systems could well emerge as problems in this process, an enhanced automotive cybersecurity plan can prevent this eventuality.
With cyber security concerns at bay, the sensors provided by the car’s integrated hardware board design can be used to collect data in real time. This data will be essential to perform long-term evolution (LTE) laboratory tests to ensure protocol compliance. One of the main goals of the Mobile Internet of Things (IoT) is to facilitate the commercial availability of Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) solutions in licensed spectrum: augmented application with reduced effort, within the parameter of applicable regulation. Proofs of concept and demonstrations over time in the lab can be used to concrete a particular solution and ensure LPWA requirements are met. However, for the safety and economy of the car, advanced electronic designs such as automatic brakes, collision avoidance functions and fuel saving systems will be of the utmost importance.
From an aftermarket point of view, advanced systems engineering will improve overall vehicle management by essentially generating log books of different types of data. Once insights are drawn from user-specific data, such as individual driving patterns and real-time metrics for vehicle performance, OEMs are ready to introduce customer-centric solutions.
With the average age of road vehicles in the US reaching 11.6 years in 2016, all signs point to the continued buoyancy of the aftermarket segment. Efficient digitally-driven value-added services will generate significant revenue and ensure customer loyalty. A leading multinational company has introduced an aftermarket connected car solution, which aims to provide aftermarket business models for efficient liaison with customers, distributors, funders, insurers and OEMs.
The future lies in the convergence of digitization, connected devices, and increased network capacity. The confluence of these concepts will transform the way that after-sales services can be delivered. Today’s IoT-powered manufacturing ecosystem already leverages sensors at various stages of the production process to collect and record information and updates in real time. With increased connectivity, the captured data can be used to compare operational models with digital simulations of an ideal working system.
Obviously, ensuring access to relevant technologies, such as sensors, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, is crucial for suppliers and OEMs. For a long time, semiconductors were used especially in the consumer electronics industry. But, the emergence of the connected car network, driven by the growing after-sales services it enables, has led to the adoption of semiconductor technology in the automotive industry.
In April 2016, the European TRACE project was launched to ensure the safe use of semiconductors in the automotive sector. In addition to major automobile manufacturers and suppliers, the project also includes semiconductor companies.
Digital technology is clearly changing the way OEMs and suppliers engage with commercial and personal vehicle owners, which in turn presents limitless possibilities for the rapidly expanding aftermarket.
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