mAutomotive

As the world’s roads become increasingly congested, drivers are seeking smarter vehicles and transport systems that can give them real-time information about traffic jams, weather conditions, road works and parking availability. At the same time, governments are calling for cars to be able to automatically alert emergency services as soon as a vehicle is involved in an accident and to be equipped with tracking systems to combat theft.

Embedding mobile connectivity (telematics) directly into vehicles is the easiest way to meet both these needs, while also enabling companies to better keep track of their fleets of cars, trucks and other assets. Moreover, in-vehicle mobile connections open up opportunities for remote diagnostics and in-car infotainment services, such as television, video downloads and Internet access.

To accelerate the development and deployment of embedded automotive devices and solutions, the GSMA is engaging with the wider ecosystem and working with key players to understand their needs and to reduce the barriers to adoption.

As the cost of mobile modules falls, embedded automotive solutions will proliferate, creating opportunities for the development of innovative new services. The time to act is now.

Embedded automotive solutions can bring the following benefits:

For drivers and passengers

• Faster delivery of medical care and recovery of vehicles in the event of an accident
• Real-time navigation, road and weather information
• Early warning of potential mechanical or electrical problems
• Ability to locate missing and stolen vehicles
• Easy access to information on local amenities
• On-demand videos, television, music, social networking and Internet access

For vehicle manufacturers

• Opportunity to sell ongoing services
• Maintain relationship with the customer after sale
• Better information on vehicle usage and performance, resulting in better R&D and future products

For businesses

• Better utilisation of fleet vehicles
• Improved ability to maintain fleet vehicles
• Up-to-date information on whereabouts of vehicles, enabling greater efficiency and better customer service

Key facts

• Worldwide, penetration of telematics systems in vehicles will climb from less than 10% in 2010 to 23% in 2015.
• In Europe, all new cars are set to ship with embedded mobile connections, up from 2% in 2010, due to implementation of eCall.

When all European cars are fitted with an automatic emergency calling system, 2,500 lives a year could be saved