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How in-car technology is affecting how we buy cars

In-car technology is fast becoming one of the main drivers in our vehicle purchasing decisions. Can in-car tech grab your attention more than a car's performance?

In-car technology is increasingly becoming one of the main drivers in our purchasing decision.

In-car technology is increasingly becoming one of the main drivers in our purchasing decision.

These days we’re surrounded by technology.

With mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets connecting us to the Internet 24/7, we’ve become accustomed to having technology at our fingertips and being able to complete pretty much any task at any given time.

What was once a luxury has become a necessity.

Now, we live in an age where the likes of driverless cars, even though not widely available, are a reality.

Technology firms are creating innovations for our cars and the automotive industry is welcoming them with open arms. They can’t get enough. And neither can consumers.

Increasingly it’s not what’s under the bonnet that’s important, it’s what’s in the cabin that grabs our attention.

We’re drawn to the car’s features and are less swayed by the likes of engine size, unless you’re a serious petrolhead!

This is an idea that’s touched on by Patrick Salyer, the CEO of Gigya, which works on social media engagement for brands including Honda, Hyundai and Toyota. Salyer said in an article on the Guardian’s website:

‘The actual car; the engine, the wheels, the drive shaft, the bodies, those have become commodities. The differentiator for cars is the in-dash system, the computer.’

This is a sentiment echoed by Brandon Turkus in his article for autoblog.com. He writes:

'We often joke that today's cars are essentially smartphones on wheels. But now, it's really starting to look like people are viewing the two products similarly.'

You’d be wrong to think it’s only about connectivity features, though.

Other features making their way to the ‘must-have’ list include: the latest satellite navigation systems, voice command systems, heated seats and steering wheels, LED headlights, parking sensors and cameras, and in-dash touch screens.

As demand for these gadgets increases there’s a good chance we’re more likely to see them come as standard spec in future cars.

What’s more important for you when you’re choosing your next car – it's engine, upholstery, or its technological features?

At Arnold Clark we have a wide range new, nearly new, and used cars that cover all bases. We’ve fuel-efficient cars, sports cars with large engines, and cars filled to the brim with the latest in in-car technology. There’s something for everyone.

Just contact your local branch to discuss how we can meet your motoring needs.

About the Author

Graeme Geddes

Staff writer at Arnold Clark

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