There’s been a radical transformation in the automotive industry thanks to innovative automakers, technology companies, and software developers. They are constantly refining old technologies and creating new, exciting concepts like V2X, artificial intelligence (AI), and automotive connectivity to produce cars that are safer, more efficient, and more luxurious--and we can’t thank them enough for it. 

We now have cars with driver-assistance systems, rear-view cameras, and even self-driving cars. Today's automakers work with software developers and tech companies to create a highly personalized and connected vehicle experience. Car connectivity is also impacting electrification, shared mobility, and autonomous technologies. So, which automotive connectivity trends are driving the future?

• Telematics 

Telematics joins two sciences—telecommunications and informatics. Today, the word is commonly used to refer to the solution utilized in commercial fleet vehicles. However, telematics can also be used to monitor individual vehicles.

Innovative dealerships are now using the technology to assess car function and driver behavior. The technology assesses driver behavior for different purposes, like determining more accurate insurance premiums and understanding when and where people drive. Some car dealerships use telematics to track loaners. They monitor vehicle diagnostics and offer smart maintenance services. 

Telematics quickly sends notifications about engine performance mileage, tire pressure, and more. Dealerships then use this information to bring customers into their shops or to do automatic scheduling. Preventative maintenance ensures optimal vehicle performance. It vastly improves vehicle reliability, durability, and resale value--and also transforms how consumers manage their vehicles.

Telematics also helps automakers to create cars that match their customers’ needs. 60%-80% of the cars sold in 2017 featured telematics. However, the technology is mostly limited to premium vehicles. But in the coming years, we expect even less expensive cars to have this technology.

• 5G Will Soon Be Ubiquitous

While mainstream adoption of 5G is yet to happen, telecom companies like AT&T,  Verizon, and Sprint and T-Mobile have already started rolling out this advanced wireless network. 5G is up to 100 times faster than 4G  and has peak speeds of 20Gbps. The wireless network also has a latency of 1ms. 5G will increase the capacity, coverage, and density of wireless networks. For example, drivers who need cash for emergencies will be able to quickly access car title loans.

5G will also enhance the capabilities of many industries--like healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, retail, and defense. It will also improve problem-solving, artificial intelligence, data collection and analysis, and automation. Connected cars will be one of the powerful drivers of 5G. It is believed that by 2028, 94% of cars will feature 5G. 

V2V Will Improve In-Traffic communication. 

V2V technology allows vehicles on the road to communicate with each other. They share data on road conditions, speed, and other issues through a private network. When V2V technology is combined with V2I (vehicle-to-everything), vehicles communicate with each other and also infrastructure--like smart traffic lights. V2V technology will help prevent crashes, ease traffic congestion, and improve the environment. We expect most new cars to have V2V technology by 2023, and V2X technology shortly thereafter.