TMCnet News
The Status of Automotive Telematics in North America MINNETONKA, Minn. --(Business Wire)-- April 21, 2004 -- The availability of automotive telematics in North America continues to increase. According to Telematics Research Group, there are 25 brands of vehicles, representing more than 100 models that offer telematics equipment as standard or optional equipment in the North American Market.Telematics are the hardware solutions that enable a vehicle for two-way wireless services used for voice, data or emergency purposes. OnStar is the leading provider of telematics in North America, but other solutions are coming into the market rapidly. New telematics solutions allow you to integrate your cell phone into the vehicle using either Bluetooth or a universal docking station. "The number of cars and light trucks that offer telematics has doubled in the past three years," says Phil Magney, principal analyst and director of Telematics Research Group Inc. (TRG). "This increase comes from a continued expansion in OnStar availability, plus new solutions from companies like BMW, Acura, Toyota, Chrysler and Mercedes." Telematics hardware such as in-vehicle phone solutions are expected to grow rapidly according to TRG and represent a bright spot for telematics. "This is going to be the minimum level of telematics in future cars," says Magney. Regulation may prompt a faster adoption rate as mobile handset use in vehicles becomes prohibited. Another catalyst for telematics is the explosion of smart mobile devices. For example, some cell phones that utilize GPS allow you to get traffic reports, or driving routes dynamically. These solutions can be used in the car but will require a means of interfacing within the vehicle so operation becomes voice activated and hands free. There are some other catalysts in the telematics playing field. Satellite radio is becoming a channel for content such as movies or traffic reports. We also believe broadband wireless will play a role as a means of downloading content to the vehicle's digital entertainment system. -0- *T North American Telematics Trends ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Automotive Telematics 2001 2002 2003 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # Vehicle Manufacturers offering Telematics 12 15 19 25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # of Models offering Telematics 51 67 88 101 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Vehicle Price $40,166 $48,097 $47,969 $39,962 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Price of Telematics $2,218 $1,900 $1,238 $922 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- *T Telematics Research Group tracks, analyzes, and forecasts the market for automotive telematics. TRG recently established TRG Europe with new offices in Sindelfingen, Germany. For more information go to www.telematicsresearch.com, or contact Phil Magney at (952) 935-0400. |
