Most drivers trust OEMs with connected data – survey

Just 20% of drivers is comfortable with the security and safety of connected cars, research by HERE Technologies in Australia shows. People with those concerns are eight times more likely to reject connectivity.

As a mature market, Australia already has its fair share of vehicles with at least some degree of connectivity. The technology has a wide potential of practical applications, from traffic jam avoidance to automated lane-keeping – with large positive benefits for the comfort and safety of drivers and their passengers. 

Safety benefits

However, the HERE survey revealed a great deal of ignorance of connectivity. 

• Of the 1,000 people surveyed, only a third were fully aware of what connected cars actually were.
• Only a quarter said they had driven in one.   

Delving deeper into attitudes towards connectivity, the survey showed the following. 

• About 60% say connected cars are safer (or as safe as) un-connected cars. 
• About half identified various safety benefits, including reducing vehicle damage, traffic jams and travel time; plus reducing people driving tired or phoning while driving. 
• Most respondents expect and want at least some connected features: around 75% selected live traffic info, safety alerts and other practical benefits. About a third opted for entertainment. 
• Those with security concerns wdere less likely to expect and want benefits from connectivity. They were particularly wary about in-built payment technology. 

Data concerns

It was usually the older generation that was more hesitant towards connectivity. When asked whether safety benefits outweighed security concerns, the younger respondents were twice as likely to say yes. 

• Data concerns related to connected cars seem to be an extension over similar worries people have over the location tracking via their phone. It also works the other way: people unconcerned about phone tracking generally don’t worry about the privacy issues of vehicle connectivity.
• When asked about connected vehicle data, most said they thought the OEMs should own it, while a quarter felt governments should have a say. 
• 57% of those comfortable with connected vehicles said they would trust OEMs they were familiar with – underlining the importance of the manufacturers in introducing and managing connectivity. 

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