Consumers Value Connected Cars—as Long as They Do the Driving

While motorists greatly value in-vehicle navigation tools and safety sensors, they’re reluctant to buy into self-driving cars, according to a survey from Solace, a provider of data movement technology for connected vehicles and other internet of things (IoT) devices. The findings convey the sense that consumers appreciate automobile technology advancements, but they still want to maintain a sense of control and autonomy behind the steering wheel. They’re also selective about the apps they use, using just one or two while on the road. In addition, survey respondents were asked to name the most innovative automakers, and Toyota came out on top in a very tight race. An estimated 1,500 U.S. drivers of connected vehicles took part in the research. This slide show presents key findings from the survey, with charts provided courtesy of Solace.

Even if money was not an issue, 57 percent of survey respondents said they would not drive a self-driving vehicle. Less than one-fifth of respondents said they would.

More than three of five survey respondents believe that connected vehicle devices help them drive more safely. However, 40 percent said they would not trust their car to brake for them.

Among younger drivers of connected vehicles, nearly 46 percent said they would not trust a car to brake for them. Less than 13 percent said they’d “always” trust their connected car with respect to safety features.

Nearly one-half of survey respondents said they are most likely to rely upon safety sensors in a connected vehicle. Over one-third said they’re most likely to rely upon navigation prompts.

In terms of supporting driving experience needs, nearly 26 percent of survey respondents rank real-time navigation as the most valuable. Nearly 21 percent cited safety monitors (such as lane departure alerts).

Solace reports that just over 53 percent of survey respondents rely upon one to two apps while driving. Less than 17 percent rely upon three or more.

When asked to rank the circumstances that would create a “poor” driving experience, nearly 18 percent of survey respondents cited an app that “provides incorrect information.” Just over 16 percent cited preloaded features that cannot be disabled.

Just under 48 percent of survey respondents are unaware that connected cars can store personal identifiable information (PII). This information can include their home addresses, Social Security numbers, birthdays and other data.

When asked to rank the top manufacturers for innovative auto tech, survey respondents didn’t pick a clear-cut winner. While no single automaker dominated, Toyota was the top pick, as cited by nearly 12 percent of respondents. GM closely followed, at 11.7 percent.