Connected car evolution has been happening for years. They are rapidly growing in technological advances and in consumer demand. Simply put – they’re here to stay. The buying public is looking to understand this emerging and quickly changing arena. Now is the time to position yourself as a subject-matter-expert by educating your buyers on the benefits of connected car technology.
Dealership employees who are knowledgeable on the details and benefits of connected cars are the ones who will make stronger connections with customers. The trick, of course, is focusing on the connected features that align with the vehicles you sell.
Explaining these benefits will get your buyers in the driver’s seat of a connected car quicker:
- Connected cars help drivers and passengers stay safe
Safety is a big benefit of a connected car. Given that safety is often a key factor for buyers, your teams should really understand this aspect. Consumers appreciate functionality such as road hazard detection, lane departure alerts, blind-spot warnings, automatic high beams, and pilot assist. Just as important are any hands-free features for phone and text. - How the Connected Car Can Make Life Easier
People constantly look for ways to make their lives easier. Make sure you’re able to explain to them how a connected car can help simplify their life. For example, you could point out that since you can start, stop, lock, and unlock your vehicle from your phone, keys aren’t needed and you don’t have to worry about losing them. You can also upload directions from your phone directly into the vehicle’s navigation system. Some vehicles will even upload your daily calendar and program the navigation system to take you from appointment to appointment. And don’t forget to mention built-in Wi-Fi, the GPS locator, or the self-parking feature if available. - How the Connected Car Helps Drivers Stay on Top of Things
Today’s connected vehicle already gathers and analyzes vehicle data to predict if problems are arising and alert the owner if service maintenance is needed. Notifications can be sent via email, text, or smartphone app. Other types of notifications include alerts about road conditions, traffic, and weather. Some vehicles even allow parents to set controls that alert them if the car is being driven after curfew or outside a predefined geographic area.
The connected car doesn’t just benefit buyers
The benefits to your dealership are also notable. Many connected cars have the ability to connect buyers back to your dealership, creating a stronger and more loyal relationship. Many features have the capability to send diagnostic data back to your dealership to let you know if the car has been in a fender bender or if it’s due for an oil change. This allows you to offer very customized “concierge” service while providing you with marketing touch-points that make sense to the individual customer.
Embracing the future of connected cars will be key to the continued success of your dealership. To learn more sign up for training with The ACE Group for more in depth discussion on this topic and many more.