Automotive industry is witnessing a radical transformation redefining and refining existing technology and introducing new ones for offering passengers much more than just driving from one point to another. Integrating ever-evolving digital technology, big data and Artificial Intelligence, automobile manufacturers have made passenger cars safer, convenient, user-friendly, thus improving overall value and usefulness for the automobile owners. Optimizing all facets of the car journey to ensure passenger safety and security along with inculcating immersive entertainment and new channels, auto companies are accelerating the in-car experience and changing the way people interact with cars.

Here are some of the latest technologies shaping the passenger in-vehicle experience.

·         Authentication Through Biometric

With the emergence of technology, car thieves are devising new methods of stealing. Therefore, automotive manufacturers are incorporating secure technology for vehicle entry and ignition. Biometric-based authentication is one such technology that guard the safety of passengers and ensure vehicle safety. The biometric technologies provide a way to authenticate that the authorized and verified driver is driving the vehicle. With an increase in popularity of ride-sharing services, biometric technologies enable that only registered users enter the fleet vehicle. When linked with payment services, the biometric technology can also help to execute cashless payments at gas stations, coffee shops and other drive-through stores, etc. Besides assuring security, biometric technologies can also be extensively used for effortless and more pleasing in-cabin personalization based on the preferences of the driver.

·         In-Vehicle Voice Assistant

The availability of AI-powered voice control personal assistants such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant on mobile devices has improved driver experience in passenger car vehicles. Automakers are rapidly developing and integrating sophisticated voice-enabled assistants to help drivers navigate through traffic, make calls, check car diagnostics, play music and more. Mostly, built-in voice assistants are available in high-end models of vehicles but now many mid-class models have also made the feature accessible to users. The biggest advantage of built-in voice assistance over mobile apps is that they provide hardware diagnostics and adjust car components like internal temperature. Also, voice assistants from third-party devices do not have direct access to the car parts and are limited to information and entertainment, such as navigation and playing music.

·         Augmented Reality Dashboards

Augmented reality car dashboard uses special types of glasses that features media controls, navigation system, various functions of the car such as air conditioner, headlight indicators, etc. Unlike traditional dashboards that display static information, AR HUDs displays graphics that interact with driver’s Field-Of-View (FOV), overlaying critical information directly onto the real world with ADAS alerts that are primarily indicated via a blinking symbol or audible alarm.

·         Advanced Driver Monitoring Systems (ADAS)

Automotive manufacturers are installing advanced driver monitoring technology to track driver behaviour and minimize the incidences of traffic accidents that are caused by human error. If the driver is distracted or fatigued, the driver monitoring system intervenes before an accident occurs. The Driver Monitoring Systems employ computer vision and facial recognition technology understand the status of driver status and behaviour by monitoring driver’s facial expressions, eye movements, and head position. In most advanced vehicles, the Driver Monitoring System can automatically pull over and stop the car.

·         Retail and Entertainment

Capitalizing on advancements in technology, Original Equipment Manufacturers are finding new ways to enhance passenger experience enabling high quality gaming and content streaming. Providing entertainment services could create new monetization opportunities for mobility service providers, retailers, automakers, etc. Some auto companies are creating new revenue channels for ride-hailing drivers and retailers with gaming and streaming and in-vehicle retail, which also enhances the passenger experience.

·         Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I)

V2I technology is a communication framework that enables several vehicles to share information with the devices supporting the highway system of a particular country such as RFID readers, signage, cameras, lane, parking meters, etc. The V2I technology is typically wireless and bi-directional, transmitting information from infrastructure devices to the vehicle through ad-hoc network and vice-versa employing dedicated short-range communication frequencies. Considering the fact that the V2I technology can reduce 80% of road accidents, the automobile industry is preparing for monumental advancements in both private and public transportation.

·         Infrared Headlights

Infrared headlights utilize special infrared lamps to project infrared light into the surrounding area for enhanced visibility and detecting objects from a distance. The headlights can be used in bad weather like fog, snow, and thunderstorms when the driving conditions may become dangerous. Few of the car companies like Audi, BMW, Ford, Toyota, etc. are turning to infrared headlights for enhanced safety and security of passengers.

·         Driver Override System

Driver Override System, also known as Smart pedal, is a fully integrated electronic system that enables various sensors, affixed in the vehicle to transmit signals to electric control unit (ECU). The brake override works when the accelerator and brake pedal are pushed accidentally at the same time or when an electrical malfunction accelerates vehicle beyond driver’s intention. Recognizing abnormal acceleration, the driver override system overrules the command and sends signals to central computer system to stop vehicle immediately.

·         Active Health Monitoring

If the driver starts to lose consciousness while driving the vehicle, then the car equipped with active health monitoring feature can realize the derailing condition, pull aside, and informs the nearest medical facility. The technology can reduce a great number of accidents and benefit those who go on long drives every now and then. The active monitoring health system mainly works like ECG monitors, which keep track of passenger’s heart rate and raise an alarm if the occupant’s heartbeat seems abnormal. The active health monitoring system has the capability to monitor blood sugar levels without any external devices. The in-car health monitoring system have not yet become a part of mainstream vehicles; however, the technology definitely sets a ground for further evolutionary research made in this direction.

According to TechSci research report on “Saudi Arabia Passenger Car Market By Vehicle Type (Hatchback, Sedan, MPV, Pickup and SUV), By Fuel Type (Petrol, Diesel and Others), By Transmission Type (MT and AT), Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, Saudi Arabia passenger car market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approx.16% by 2026, owing to factors such as rising per capita income and developing road infrastructure in the country. Upliftment of ban from women driving and stringent government measures to develop domestic automotive industries are further likely to drive Saudi Arabia Passenger Car Market in coming years.

How can Big Data Shape the Automotive Industry?

Automobile manufacturers are already inculcating Big Data analytics to manufacture better cars for the future, providing quality customer services. Some car manufacturing brands are using sensors, processors, and other on-board tools to record an enormous volume of data and utilize that information to gain a competitive edge over others. Some of the applications of big data in automobile industry are as follows.

·         Supply chain management

·         Connected cars

·         Automobile financing

·         Predictive analysis

·         Supply Chain Management

Efficient and robust supply chain management can enhance the overall efficiency of an organization. Employing big data and analytics, automobile manufacturers can compare the products they require to various other products based on different parameters such as costs, quality of the components, and their reliability. Thus, taking care of operations to deal with high market competition and innovative strategies can make the manufacturing process more optimized.

·         Connected Cars

Big data has an instrumental role to play in the development of connected cars as it the backbone of all the technologies that can revolutionize the driving experience. In autonomous cars, the built-in sensors collect all the information, process and analyse it in milliseconds, allowing the car to make a safe journey from one point to another. For instance, cameras help vehicle get a realistic 360-degree view of its surroundings, which helps to recognize objects and people nearby and prevent any kind of damages.

·         Automobile Financing

The automobile financing companies can gather massive amounts of customer data and utilize it to understand the customers better, gain insights about customer’s financial history and preferences. Through the collected information, companies can provide more personalized financial schemes, generate more lead in businesses, offer differentiated services, and keep customers away from fraudulent and defaulters.

·         Predictive Analysis

The automobile manufacturers need to be a step ahead of consumers to drive innovations and gain a competitive advantage over others. With the help of big data, companies can predict problems that a customer can face and take suitable timely actions to ensure better health of the vehicles.

Conclusion

Automotive industry has advanced a lot with the integration of modern technologies, making in-vehicle experiences better and safe. As the autonomous vehicles are growing in number, new innovations are expected to fuel the growth of global passenger car market in the coming years.

According to a TechSci research report on “Saudi Arabia Commercial Vehicles Market By Vehicle Type (Light Commercial Vehicle, Medium Commercial Vehicle, Heavy Commercial Vehicle and Bus), Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2016 – 2026”, Saudi Arabia commercial vehicles market valued at USD3.3 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% by FY2026. High demand for commercial vehicle due to rapid urbanization and industrialization activities and growing focus of UAE government to develop construction and tourism sector in the country to further fuel Saudi Arabia Commercial Vehicles Market growth.