Even Android Auto can't convince them

Few new technologies are as controversial as car screens. They started as a simple aid that made it easy to have apps like Android Auto and Google Maps in the car, but they have expanded to levels that are starting to be annoying for drivers.

It’s no secret that most drivers prefer classic buttons, especially to control basic functions like the air conditioning or the music player. But the success of adapters with Android Auto also shows that there is a demand for simple systems closer to those of mobile phones.

However, manufacturers did not take this “hint” into account, and at the last CES 2024 they confirmed the trend with the presentation of several gigantic car screens, including a 45-inch one with 9K resolution. A few days later, Ford went even further with a 48-inch screen which will occupy the entire width of the cabin, accompanied by a smaller one for the controls. There is no doubt that these are very advanced devices with many possibilities, but is this what drivers want?

Against screens

It was precisely the announcements from CES 2024 that formed the basis of a survey aimed at answering this question, and the results are bad news for the manufacturers who participated in this show. The study was organized by AutoPacific and attempted to measure interest in new technologies among respondents interested in purchasing a new car; Concretely, he focused on three advances that caused a lot of talk: the infotainment screen, the purchasing functions integrated into the screens and the external screens.

None of these three technologies has captured the attention of consumers, interior screens being the most accepted with 21%

of respondents saying they would like one in their next vehicle. Perks like the use of maps and multimedia apps have been key to this greater acceptance, but they haven’t been enough to convince drivers to add an extra $1,000 to the price of the car to get them .

Perhaps unsurprisingly, drivers looking for electric and hybrid cars are more excited about new technology, with 29% preferring screens. However, even that couldn’t save another technology that has been heavily promoted by brands lately: the ability to make purchases inside the carwhich received only 18% interest (although that’s up from 10% in the 2022 survey).

Thanks to new systems and 5G connectivity, some manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz or BMW are already offering additional functions in their cars in certain markets, such as heated seats or sportier driving modes. Although they were criticized at the time, the study reveals that 60% of people interested in this technology wanted something similar; 56% want to stream videos and 50% want to be able to pay for gas or a charge from the car.

Finally, one road safety measure that doesn’t receive much support from drivers is the exterior screen which can warn pedestrians of the presence of the car, or a messaging system that allows directions to be sent (for example, to indicate that they can cross the road). It should be noted that the survey sets a price of $500 for this feature, which may explain the low support it received; If this were a free or required feature, it would probably be better received.