Vehicle diagnostics tops telematics wishlist

Consumers want remote vehicle Auto Diagnostic in their cars more than any other technology, according to a new report from the US.

J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 US Automotive Emerging Technologies Study found that 55 percent of users were interested in having vehicle diagnostic services, which allow the car to automatically send and receive information on problems to an engineer, included with their vehicle.

A panel of some 18,000 vehicle owners were asked to choose the features they would be interested in from a list of 21 technologies which could be available with their next auto purchase.

A premium sound system was selected by 52 percent of users, while a wireless connectivity system, now included in some vehicles from automakers such as Ford and Toyota, was chosen by 50 percent.

A rear-vision camera system to aid reversing and parking was picked by 46 percent, while blind spot detection was favored by 45 percent.Auto Diagnostic Tools

The study concluded that consumers were increasingly more interested in technology that allowed them to legally and safely make calls, get directions or check email while driving.

Interestingly, the popularity of wireless connectivity systems was high across various age groups, with 43 percent of 57-65 year olds expressing an interest once they had seen the price tag.

"Consumers want to make use of their smartphones while driving, and most are willing to pay for the technology that enables this," said J.D. Power and Associates' Mike VanNieuwkuyk.

The research follows a slew of new in-car technology solutions from US automakers, including significant upgrades to Ford's SYNC and General Motors' OnStar and the new Entune system from Toyota.

In Europe, progress has been slower, although BMW offers several services through its new ConnectedDrive program and Ford is set to roll out SYNC in late 2011.

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