2 Ways Millennial Consumers Are Changing the Auto Technology Industry

One of the main reasons automakers focus on developing new technology is to cater to the demands of consumers. As years pass, new generations in our population will have different needs, uses, and demands for technology than their parents did. We’re now in a time where millennials (anyone born between the early 1980s and 2000s) are quickly becoming the majority of car-buying consumers, making them the ones setting the tone for present and future developments in auto technology.

As baby boomers reach retirement age, millennials are moving into the 29-34 age range which will make them the most important consumer group for automakers. As more millennials prepare to buy new cars, they will be driving how major car brands consider all aspects of design, technology, and even vehicle types.

If you’re planning on starting a career in the auto industry, read on to learn about some changes in auto technology you can expect to see as carmakers begin to cater to Millennials.

Millennials Want Improved Infotainment System Auto Technology

It’s no secret that automakers are just as competitive with infotainment system technology as they are with engine power. In recent efforts to add more infotainment features, many car companies have made bigger and better touch screens. However, one thing that they haven’t mastered yet is a voice command feature.

As a result of the massive popularity of smartphones, millennials feel comfortable with voice recognition technology. Young adults want to be able to operate the navigation and music controls in their cars with conventional voice commands, just as they do with their mobile devices. If you’re planning on training in automotive industry technology, you can expect to see more cars that use voice commands for various features in the next few years. Already, recent concept cars such as the BMW iVision and Acura Precision have started sporting dashboards with virtually no conventional knobs or buttons on them.

Millennials want More Connectivity-Focused Auto Technology

Apple recently presented a big advancement in vehicle connectivity with their CarPlay interface, which replicates smartphone and tablet displays in a vehicle’s infotainment system. Although this gives users smooth smartphone integration with their car’s infotainment system, it poses a problem for situations where there are multiple passengers.

Automakers found out that with CarPlay, the control boxes in most infotainment instrument panels couldn’t accommodate two phones at the same time. As a result, auto technology suppliers are trying to figure out ways to offer even more connectivity in vehicles. For example, a company called Delphi Automotive has designed a device called a USB dual role hub, which allows multiple devices to be connected at the same time. By the time you launch your auto career, you might see whole new infotainment systems being unveiled!

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