Like practically every industry around the world, the automotive sector is currently in the midst of a broad, systemic shift from transactional sales to recurring subscription services. Companies are finding that real shareholder value lies in actively growing and developing a devoted base of drivers, not simply moving units.
So far most of the media attention has been placed on competing platforms and applications, but that’s missing the broader picture. Functionality and connectivity is the easy part. The real question is whether the industry is ready to shift from transactions to services.
Is the connected car industry ready for ongoing customer relationships? Is it ready to compete against the likes of Google and Apple? Does it have the tools to truly own the contemporary automotive experience, the way Spotify owns today’s music listening experience?
Here are six important questions I dare you to consider when thinking seriously about pursuing a connected car strategy that places the driver squarely in the center of their business model.