Four IT tips for motor manufacturers

Gartner makes prediction on future technologies in cars

The automotive industry is experiencing substantial change in response to the global recession, and there are four key focus areas that will have a lasting impact on the industry and force companies to establish new long-term value propositions, according to Gartner.

“As automotive companies continue to weather the economy’s immediate challenges, companies must prepare for the market turnaround, changing consumer needs and the government’s increased focus on new energy policies, such as increased fuel efficiencies and alternative powertrain technologies,” said Thilo Koslowski, research vice president at Gartner. “This will require companies to concentrate research, development, planning and marketing efforts on four crucial market, societal, political and technological trends. Each of these trends will also have implications regarding the importance of technology in the automotive industry, from both product and process perspectives.”

Emerging Versus Mature Markets

To gain from sales opportunities in emerging, growing markets Gartner recommends automotive companies invest into technologies that center on traditional manufacturing-related issues, including product life cycle management (PLM), as well as supply- and demand-chain-related capabilities.

Sustainability
The automotive industry will play a key role in developing, deploying and sharing sustainable mobility and transportation solutions and efforts regarding alternative powertrain technologies, such as battery powered vehicles (electric vehicles) that will redirect companies’ technology investments. This will include the need to develop onboard energy management solutions.

Digital Convergence and Changing Demographics
Gartner foresees the vehicle becoming the mobile technology platform that will connect the driver to the outside world to enable the consumption and creation of relevant and dynamic information. Successful technology and business strategies will be crucial in helping automotive companies play a critical role in developing these new value propositions.

New Business Models
Although the need for private transportation will mean a continued demand for passenger cars, manufacturers must expand their business models to create revenue opportunities that address consumers’ broader mobility and transportation needs, ownership-requirements and driving-related service preferences.