How connected cars and vehicle telematics are changing the automobile industry
Published: 2020-08-04 14:33:05

Telematics refers to the integrated use of information and telecommunication technologies across various sectors like health care, locomotives, environmental monitoring, and fleet management to name a few. In this article, we will be talking specifically about vehicle telematics and how it is redefining the automobile industry. 

Transportation has become an indispensable part of our fast-moving lifestyle. People in all economical brackets are dependent on transit facilities and any form of innovations in the auto sector is on the upswing. Connected cars and [vehicle telematics](https://www.lightmetrics.co/video-telematics/) have added value and functionality to transport and tracking solutions, thus enhancing the quality of lifestyle incredibly.  

The adoption of telematics has assisted in fleet management and tracking, besides maximizing fuel efficiency and productivity. Using the GPS (Global Positioning System) fleet managers now have access to crucial information on the fleet’s location and fuel, from anywhere and under any weather conditions. The use of telematics adds an intelligent quotient to a regular vehicle. 

Connected cars have helped to bridge the gap between fleet operators and external shareholders (insurance companies, financial service providers, and governments). In the commercial vehicle sector, establishing harmony between drivers and fleet managers is also extremely momentous. Telematics enables engagement between the concerned parties by rendering data for performance-based incentives, proving training sessions, and addressing safety concerns. 

The major driving force behind the upscale adoption of vehicle telematics is inflating fuel prices and marginal profits in the automotive industry. The smart use of this technology has helped in route calculation, vehicle tracking, and monitoring fuel pilferage. This gives fleet managers an edge over their competitors. Also, the rise in the number of road accidents raised a safety and security concern for commercial vehicle operators. Vehicle telematics has helped to reduce these numbers drastically. 

Globally, the automobile industry has undergone a major paradigm shift by implanting the use of telematics in fleets of all sizes. The technology is increasingly being used to detect flaws in vehicles, monitor driver performance as well as meets the current demand for wireless connectivity. 
In the coming future, vehicle telematics is expected to bring a revolution in the automotive sector by aiding intelligent traffic management, real-time positioning, parking management, vehicle tracking, and most of all downsizing the number of road accidents. 

Vehicle telematics has revolutionized fleet transport scenario by turning autonomous driving into a reality. As per the statistics by an influential market research initiative, the number of connected cars in the U.S. is estimated to reach 32 billion by the end of 2020. 

While the benefits of connected cars and vehicle telematics can be manifested totally, there are still challenged to be faced. The adoption and installation costs turn out to be a major hurdle. Also, factors like technical unawareness among consumers, and low range utilization have negatively impacted the growth graph. 

However, the importance of telematics cannot be undermined and the automotive industry needs to fix these issues. The transformation is slow but progressing and the use of telematics and connected cars is expected to bring the requisite modernization of transportation all over the world.