Too Much High Tech Entertainment Stuff In New Cars

Many Consumers Nonplussed, Confused with Latest Car Tech

Washington DC June 3, 2015; The AIADA online news letter reported that according to Automotive News, a recent survey of some 14,000 automobile owners, conducted jointly by the polling firm Nielsen and automotive consultants SBD, found in general that manufactures are jamming features into cars that most owners don't use and often are not even aware of.

2016 Volvo XC90

"It's sort of an arms race—who can have the most technology in the vehicle—and consumers are confused," said Nielsen Vice President Mike Chadsey. The study, conducted via online questionnaires in April and May, found that 43 percent of participants said automakers are adding too much infotainment technology to new vehicles, and that infotainment features available now typically score low in owner satisfaction.

Of 42 vehicles features—from hybrid engines to electronic suspensions to back up cameras—the 10 that scored lowest were all infotainment-related. The worst, not surprisingly, was voice recognition. Others near the bottom included smart phone integration, built-in apps, and customizable instrument panels. Infotainment features that car owners typically ignore often include in-car hard drives for storing music, CD players, and concierge services.

For more on consumer attitudes toward vehicle technology, click here.