The old paper books, which occupied huge spaces on the slides of a vehicle, remain in the past. Now everything is solved "online"
19.12.2019 • 18:01hs • Apps
Apps
Start the car, open it, turn on the air, ask for help, all from the cell: three automakers, three app models
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The digital transformation radically modified the world of business. Almost no sector was left out of technological innovations and the changes brought by advances in the uses and customs of society.
In the case of cars, the buying and selling process is not the same as before. People previously search the Internet for what they need and then go to the dealerships, nourished by all the information about the model they wish to acquire.
In this context, automakers are offering another service to those who buy a vehicle: in their respective app they centralize everything the owner wants to know about the vehicle and the use of the equipment.
This new trend, explored by multiple industries, set foot in Argentina with companies such as Ford, Chevrolet and DS. Meanwhile, other great players assure iProUP that they are in full development stage.
The objective is that each user can download the corresponding application on their cell phone to evacuate the doubts generated from the use of the vehicle and that it is also a useful tool to perform certain actions, such as commissioning or access to security options .
These types of platforms are designed to build customer loyalty and improve positioning because, as they point out in the industry, every time someone unlocks their phone they will have the company logo on their wallpaper.
How they are and how they work
Car manufacturers transit the largest "update" in the industry in the last 50 years, with three words that have a strong impact on the sector:
- Sustainability: in the case of electric cars, which avoid the use of fossil fuels and are less harmful to the environment
- Autonomous: for models that have been adding new assistance and driving functions without a person behind the wheel
- Carsharing: in reference to a new mode of use (rental) for small periods of time and linked to sharing a trip with other people, even strangers
"The goal is to satisfy customers, but also see where technology should advance in the automotive sector. Always go ahead of the need and not run back," explains Luis Felipe Clavel, Manager of Vehicle Business Development, to iProUP Nissan Electric Latin America.
According to the manager, "this marks a profound change in the business model: with the passage of time, revenues will come not so much from the sale of cars but from the offer of services, other applications and customized solutions."
In this context, the apps are a great step for the future of mobility to stand in Argentina.
The proposals, one by one
Chevrolet is one of those that advances rapidly to offer a greater "dose" of technology in its more massive models.
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Beyond the fact that all automakers developed their info-entertainment systems and provide more and more in-depth solutions, the US "first" with OnStar, a unique telephone service in the world for which, by pressing a button, an operator He attends consultations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As a second step, it came to offer WiFi inside the vehicle with the launch of the 2020 Cruze Premier.
"This option is highly valued. According to research, people spend three hours a day watching social networks and up to eight connected to the Internet. Getting in the car and having connectivity is fantastic," Ana Karina Rubini, GM OnStar Manager of GM, tells iProUP.
In a third instance, he developed the MyChevrolet app, which is downloaded to the phone and proposes multiple solutions. "From the cell phone you can turn the lights on and off, close and open the car, locate the vehicle and find the nearest dealer, if you need attention. Also, start the car remotely," says Rubini.
This development is one of the most innovative of the Cruze: with a button on the phone it turns on as if it were a remote control. In addition, the hot / cold air conditioner can be turned on. The doors remain closed and unlock with a pin when the user approaches.
The functions are concentrated in the following items:
- Location: it is possible to mark on a map, set limit alerts, configure and share personalized notifications for arrivals and departures
- Vehicle status: reports the distance that can be traveled with the fuel, tire pressure, oil life and odometer (kilometers traveled)
- Voice assistant: start or unlock the car remotely, "talking" to Amazon Echo or Google Assistant
Ford is another one that recently launched the FordPass system, through which different actions can be taken:
- Parking: it helps to find a place, see opening and closing hours of the garages and mark where the car was left to find it easily
- Dealer: allows you to schedule the car service, choose a dealer or communicate if the vehicle has a problem
- Information: vehicles with the Synk3 function allow the user to connect with the cell phone to the car through AppLink and obtain information about the car, fuel level, kilometers to go to the next service, among other aspects
It also provides data on the maintenance plan, warranty and owner's manual. And notifications can be received about service campaigns for the car.
Other practical functions of the Ford App is the one that makes it possible to chat with an advisor, or to contact by telephone with Ford Assistance (24-hour assistance service) with a simple click.
"By simply opening the app you can ask for help. In case you cannot repair the car in the place, an alternative transport is organized, with a substitute vehicle and / or accommodation for the night," they explain from the company.
DS Automobiles is another one that has its own service. Its worldwide strategy unites the universe of premium vehicles - equipped with the latest technology - with an exclusive sales channel (DS STORE). The Only You program is added, in which exclusive benefits are shared for customers. The ecosystem is completed with the MyDS application.
"It is the key to enter the DS universe and direct access to Only You. With the app you can access all the features of the program. Each client has their personal space, with personalized services that facilitate maintenance control and about brand novelties and of the DS Club Privilège ", point to iProUP from DS Argentina.
This program offers benefits "such as discounts and promotions with luxury partners, exclusive experiences in events and a unique way to enjoy gastronomy, travel, fashion, culture, technology and art," they add.
Designed for mobility
In addition to these three applications that are an ideal replacement for old manuals that were not digitized, other brands developed apps for mobility services.
This is Toyota, through Toyota Mobility Services; and Nissan, with Awto. These carsharing applications are used to locate withdrawal centers, unlock a vehicle with the cell phone and pay for the service, the rate of which is based on the time of use.
Toyota's option is developed using dealers as a point of withdrawal and return of cars.
"The options are for all tastes and needs: from cars for daily use, such as Etios, Yaris or Corolla; special vehicles, such as Hilux equipped for cargo; and others for a treat, like a GT86. There is also the complete SUV line and models like Innova for those who need space for several people, "they explain to iProUP from Toyota.
In Nissan, the modality is implemented with a Chilean company that developed the Awto platform, which allows the use of the Kicks and March models. There are several withdrawal and return points in the city, such as some Axion network service stations.
For both automakers, beyond developing cars and focusing on the technology they must have, the future of mobility is about providing services. That is the purpose of these proposals.
