REMOVE VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS OFFERS ADDED BENEFIT TO VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS AND USERS
Mike Sampson · 2000
Telematics is best described as the provision of in-vehicle services using wireless communication and location technologies. Remote vehicle diagnostics is at the cutting edge of these in-vehicle services. In the USA, telematic services have become, after a slow start, increasingly popular with both users and vehicle manufacturers. Whilst telematic services have been launched in Europe they have not yet gained momentum. The only European telematic system to gain any popularity recently is in-car navigation, which does not currently require wireless communications. The slow take up of telematics services in Europe is contrary to the widespread prediction of huge growth indicated by many in the industry. The reasons for this are varied but can be summarised as: The total cost of delivery of a telematics service is far greater than the consumer is prepared to pay; Most of the benefits of an in-vehicle telematic service have been overtaken by the widespread adoption of cellular phone services; The development pace of product and services in the mobile communication arena far outstrips that of the automotive sector. Remote vehicle diagnostics service offers an opportunity for vehicle maufacturers to significantly strengthen their customer relationship strategy, provide an exclusive service and offer the user an enhanced motoring experience is reviewed in this paper. (A) For the covering abstract see ITRD E106484.