Drivers Want Audio Messages Sent to Vehicles, Study Shows

A recent study conducted by Synovate Motoresearch on behalf of telematics services provider ATX Group revealed that more and more drivers want recall notices or information related to vehicle maintenance and ownership sent to their vehicles. The study also shows they are getting used to benefiting from interactive voice recognition (IVR) systems to receive this type of information more safely.

In fact, vehicle owners widely preferred an in-vehicle message to direct mail, a voicemail message or text message. "Drivers want information that's relative to operating their vehicle and that helps them drive more safely and efficiently," said Tom Metzger, ATX senior vice president of Sales and Account Management.

Metzger also thinks that vehicle service providers maintaining Web interfaces for automobile manufacturers could also enable their customers to pre-select what types of messages come into the vehicle and when (before or during the drive).

The study findings included:

• 89 percent expressed interest in receiving notification of recalls for their vehicle
• 79 percent were interested in receiving updates on fuel prices and gas station locations
• 58 percent wanted to receive notification of special AM/FM or satellite radio programming
• 57 percent would choose to receive reminders from a dealership that regular maintenance is due

"Today's market reality is that consumers' lifestyles demand always-on communications. We believe we have developed a platform that enables drivers to receive messages they deem relevant to their vehicle ownership or drive, while minimizing distraction from the primary task of driving," added Metzger.