Collision warning systems use radar to detect moving vehicles ahead and warns the driver of a collision risk with an alarm and warning light. A brake support system eenables harder, quicker deceleration to help drivers stop.
Infotainment gizmos and gadgets may garner the most attention, but collision avoidance technology is what motorists prize most in their vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Tech Choice Study.
The survey, released this week, said the top five preferred technologies are:
- Blind spot detection (preferred by 40 per cent)
- Night vision capability (33 per cent)
- Enhanced collision mitigation systems (30 per cent)
- Camera rearview mirror (30 per cent)
- Self-healing paint (25 per cent)
"There is a tremendous interest in collision protection technologies across all generations, which creates opportunities across the market," said Kristin Kolodge, J.D. Power's executive director of driver interaction and HMI research, in a statement. "In contrast, there is very little interest in energy efficiency technologies such as active shutter grille vents and solar glass roofs."
The least preferred technologies were haptic touch screens, biometric driver sensors and hand-gesture controlled seats. Only eight per cent of consumers had any interest in any of these.
Altogether, the survey examined 59 automotive technologies. The online study, of more than 5,300 U.S. residents who purchased or leased a new vehicle in the past five years, was conducted from January to March of this year.
Other findings:
- Younger consumers are willing to spend more on in-vehicle technology than older ones. Millennials are willing to fork over $3,703 (all figures U.S.) on average while pre-boomers are only willing to spend $2,067. For baby boomers, that figure is $2,416.
- Smartphone-based systems — Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto — did not resonate with study respondents of any generation. And consumer preference for either system depended on which smartphone they owned. Apple users rejected Android technology and vice versa. “Lukewarm interest in these technologies that connect your phone to your vehicle, coupled with consumer loyalty to their phone, pose a unique challenge for auto makers,” Kolodge said.
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Darren McGee