The new technological "toys" in SUVs, cars and vans to win customers

For automakers, renewing a model and updating its range was, until recently, giving it a simple face lift and going out to promote new optics, bumpers, or propose small modifications that were barely noticeable in the eyes of potential customers.

Today, that simple "makeup" is no longer enough. In fact, companies noted that there is "something" that goes beyond a simple change of aesthetics and that acquires increasing weight in the purchase decision process. And that "something" has a name and surname: the technological equipment of the vehicle.

Within this framework, they have adapted their competitive strategies, which now include the addition of parking sensors, wider electronic screens, devices to open the car from the cell phone or the design of an app that addresses the driver's needs with a single click, Among other devices.

Between the incentive launched by the Government and the bonuses of the terminals themselves, the automakers warn that this type of differentials well "techno" can tip the balance in their favor or make them lose sales.

It should be noted that the discounts start at $ 50,000, as with some Toyota models (Etios and some versions of Yaris). However, there are brands that to increase patents are coming to offer removals over $ 300,000. Such is the case of Peugeot (with variants of 308 and 408) and Citroën (C4 Lounge THP).

Chevrolet, Fiat and Ford are also among the automakers that advance with aggressive promotions, thanks to sales of the order of $ 200,000 or more.

The following table shows the bonuses that brands are offering throughout the month of August to boost sales:

The technological restylings

Chevrolet is one of those that made strong progress in incorporating technology into the most economical models, thus strengthening its incentive plan that has been in effect since June.

Specifically, it did so with the launch of a special series of accessories for the Onix Joy that is, precisely, the cheapest version of its range. In fact, this proposal was born more than three years ago as the base option, with the aim of making it the most accessible.

The company warned that customers demand more technology and equipment and are even willing to pay a little more. By virtue of this, he added different packs to better equip the model, to the taste and pocket of the buyer.

These accessories are called Pack Maxx and are exclusive for the Onix Joy and Prisma Joy. The objective of each of the elements of the packages is that they provide greater comfort, functionality and technology. In addition, being original, they retain the original three-year vehicle warranty, which is not a minor fact for those who buy a 0km.

"This package was designed by observing the difference in equipment and price between the entry-level version of Onix JOY and Prisma JOY and the LTZ version, thus generating this MAXX Pack with 4 products highly appreciated by those who show interest in these vehicles" Daniel Alvarez, senior manager of Parts & Accessories at General Motors Mercosur, tells iProUP.

The suggested price to access these items is $ 46,000, a figure that must be added to the values of the vehicle: the Onix Joy costs $ 464,000 and the Joy Prism, $ 504,000.

By way of comparison, the base version of the traditional series starts at $ 541,000 on the Onix and $ 585,000 on the Prism.

The pack consists of the following components:

1. - Multimedia accessories: 6.2 "LCD touch screen 800x480 resolution, mirroring with Android and IOS cell phones (Compatible with iPod and iPhone), integrated Bluetooth; (Hands-free and Audio Streaming).

In addition, integrated Digital TV receiver, welcome message, front USB port for playback of MP3, WMA, MPEG-2, VCD and JPG files; RCA inputs for backup camera and dual zone for differentiated programming for driver and passengers.

2. - Alarm: it has an exclusive product with a series alarm system. In addition, it adds integral protection of the cabin through ultrasound, detection in case of glass breakage and movements inside and incorporates a specially "customized" remote control.

3. - Central locking: it has a standard central locking system that integrates with the alarm.

4. - Backup camera: it is an exclusive product for Chevrolet vehicles. It is a lens with a wide viewing angle and integration with multimedia equipment.

These new equipment are part of an exclusive development of the brand that, in addition, adds its OnStar platform, the 24-hour customer service that was until now exclusive patrimony of the most expensive models.

The growth and utility of this system was such that, although the first year is offered free of charge, the renewal by the customers (at the end of the stipulated period as a courtesy) exceeds 40% in the first year of use. And in the second year it is around 75%.

"OnStar testifies that the so-called Internet of Things (IoT) arrived in Argentina, as it connects the client by delivering a differential service that he uses in his day to day to feel more secure when he returns home. All this with just press a button on the vehicle ", they indicate from the mark.

In the case of Renault, the competitive strategy is similar: adding technology and a unique system in its models. The most recent example of this is the Duster Los Pumas. The mid-range SUV of the French firm incorporates bluetooth alarm "Be Connected", which allows to be linked to the vehicle through a smartphone without the need to carry the key on top.

This new functionality enables remote opening and closing of doors, in addition to the silent activation of the alarm. In this way, all car users can use their smartphone to open and close it.

In addition to this development, it also adds the "Media Evolution", a multimedia center compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Thus, the driver can use Spotify, Waze, Google Maps and play WhatsApp audios on its 7-inch touchscreen.

All the aggregates of the limited series Renault Duster Los Pumas are added to the Privilege equipment, which has a 1.6 16-valve, 110 hp engine and five-speed manual gearbox.

This Limited Series Duster Los Pumas consists of 200 units and its price is $ 880,000.

Ford also made a key decision to continue driving sales of its best-selling model, the Ka. This car incorporated the FreeStyle version to give the unit attractiveness. So much so that although the brand no longer markets the Focus and Fiesta in the local market, it remains firm with its small "best seller".

The firm's decision was to expand the range of the most "adventurous" Ka that, until recently, was sold only in a top-of-the-range option. Now, it annexed a more economical model but without resigning technology.

In addition, the top-of-the-range version was added the alternative of 6-speed automatic transmission, a clear signal of how these types of boxes, which were previously exclusive to the most expensive models, are present today from the entry options of the brands .

In the case of Freestyle SE, the most important thing "inside" is that it adds the new 7-inch floating screen with SYNC 3 connectivity system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

With 1.5 3C Ti-VCT and 123 hp engine, it also has stability control as a key element for safety (which many brands avoid in the base models).

In addition, it has two illuminated USB inputs and rear parking sensors.

The SEL adds as a novelty the automatic transmission and cruise control, which allows the driver to select the desired speed.

The pick ups, also with news

Not only the cheapest cars resort to technological restyling. Also the pick ups, even in their cheapest versions and designed for work, which have been incorporating equipment.

In the case of Toyota, it added new features both in security and in the multimedia center.

In this way, all the Double Cab versions of the Hilux now incorporate 7 standard airbags, these being frontal (passenger and passenger), knee (driver), lateral (x2) and curtain (x2).

In addition, it contemplates changes in the multimedia center in its SRX, SRV and SR versions, mainly focused on improving the response speed and facilitating the operation by the client.

In that sense, a new physical button drive system was chosen, allowing a more precise and safe operation of the equipment. The platform also has an 8-inch touch screen, against 7 inches of the previous model.

With the introduction of these changes, the prices of the available versions of Hilux start at $ 1,360,000 for the SR; at $ 1,608,000 for the SRV and at $ 1,678,000 for the SRX.

It is worth remembering that the pioneer in incorporating technology in this segment was Ford with the Ranger, which redoubled its bet with the 2020 version that has just gone on sale.

The pick up now arrives with more equipment from the range entrance. This is how the XL and XLS variants incorporate a new instrument panel with multimedia display and a renewed front panel, also with a color display.

From its XLS version onwards, the New Ranger adds an 8-inch multi-touch screen with Sync 3, which is compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Also, rear parking camera and proximity sensors, new multifunction steering wheel, digital bi-zone automatic climate control and a brand new cargo gate with assistance are added, to provide greater flexibility and smoothness to the user in opening and closing.

In addition, from its XLT version, the rain sensor and new interior photochromic rearview mirror are added.

As for the Ranger Limited and Black Edition, the company confirmed that it offers the semi-autonomous technology package "Autonomous Emergency Braking", with detection of pedestrians and vehicles.

Another novelty that incorporates this version is the "Keyless" Engine Opening and Starting System: this mechanism detects the presence of the remote control near the body, enabling access to the interior without having to take the key out of the pocket. In turn, it enables the opening and closing of all windows by pressing the lock and unlock buttons located on the key.

In times of crisis, technology comes to the rescue: brands resort to restyling "techie" to capture the user, tools that have already become common currency in vehicles; even in models of the lowest range.

Thus, with a little extra money, customers take larger screens, multifunctional accessories and everything that helps make interaction with the vehicle easier. It is not little, at times when each weight counts, and much.

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