How Automakers Used Digital Technology in 2013
As the global automobile industry has been going through a cutthroat phase, automakers are trying to be extremely innovative with their marketing campaigns to woo the buyers.
The year 2013 saw a range of such campaigns where the car manufacturers used technology and digital media extensively to showcase their cars and their unique features.
RMN Digital – a global technology news destination of RMN Company – keeps reporting about the hot trends in the auto industry.
Here we have selected a few leading examples of auto companies that used digital technology to market their products.
Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) decided to work with Google to provide content and search-based solutions enabled by Application Program Interfaces (APIs) for the second-generation of the automaker’s UVO eServices telematics system.
These new solutions will initially be introduced on the new 2014 Sorento CUV. The immediate integration of Google solutions will utilize Google Maps and Google Places to acquire driving directions and locate Points of Interest (POIs) in a seamless and organic manner. Read the full story.
Hyundai
Hyundai returned to the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to debut and showcase a number of new vehicle technologies.
Along with demonstrations of its Blue Link telematics and infotainment platform, Hyundai decided to preview its next-generation concepts and future infotainment systems for the tech-savvy CES crowd.
The company displayed working versions of future vehicle infotainment systems and voice-recognition technology incorporating features enabled by several technology partners. Read the full story.
[ Also Read: How IBM and Sprint Velocity Drive Connected Car ]
Ford Motor Company
With Kaliki Audio Newsstand and Ford SYNC AppLink, commuting time can now be put to better use by consuming some of the compelling newspaper and magazine content that we want to get to, but just never seem to find the time to read, says Ford Motor Company.
Kaliki is a new smartphone app for Android devices that curates the top news stories from major newspapers and magazines and provides an audio version for on-demand playback in the vehicle. Read the full story.
Chrysler and GM
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced iHeartRadio’s expansion across the automotive industry with its integrations in Chrysler Group and General Motors (GM) vehicles.
It has also introduced a new made-for-driving application “iHeartRadio for Auto” (iHeartAuto) which will enable seamless and standardized access to the iHeartRadio digital music platform. Read the full story.
Toyota
Toyota’s Furia concept made its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show with the help of Samsung transparent display technology.
Toyota’s new sedan concept was revealed using a custom-built structure housing thirty of Samsung’s new 46″ transparent LCD panels.
Toyota claimed to be the first automotive company to use this technology to reveal a vehicle at a major international auto show. Read the full story.
Honda
American Honda announced it will integrate support for Siri, the intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking, into its 2013 Honda Accord and Acura RDX and ILX models as a dealer installed option.
Owners with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of specific tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.
Using Eyes Free mode, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further and minimizes distractions even more by keeping your iOS device’s screen from lighting up. Read the full story.
Lexus
Two years ago, automaker Lexus said it is working on an idea of a future car that will never have an accident.
The company was using an advanced driving simulator to enable its engineers to design technology that will help make driving safer.
Now, on the 30th anniversary of the mandatory seatbelt law, experts express similar views while expecting completely crash-proof cars by 2020. Read the full story.
Toyota Motor Europe
Nokia announced that Toyota Motor Europe is the latest automotive brand to select the HERE platform’s Nokia Local Search for Automotive to power its next generation Touch & Go navigation and infotainment systems.
Nokia Local Search for Automotive is a specifically designed solution developed to fulfill the requirements of the automotive industry. Read the full story.
Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) launched Kia Media mobile, the mobile-device optimized Kiamedia.com, providing busy journalists with quick access to everything Kia while on the go.
Optimized for iPhone and Android phones, the mobile version includes key features and functions from the full media site.
All-new, Kia Media mobile provides users the up-to-the minute news, product information, and photography in a format designed for on-the-go browsing. Read the full story.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company launched a new Vehicle Orientation program at dealerships in the U.S.
It is designed to help bridge the gap between consumers and their cars by providing them with access to an online library of “video snacks” – short videos that explain how to use specific vehicle features like Remote Start Systems, MyKey and Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors. Read the full story.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC (MBFS) announced it is adding an in-vehicle account management app to its suite of mobile tools for its customers in the United States.
The new app, called My MBFS, will automatically be added to the cloud-based infotainment system on model year 2013 and newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with the COMAND Navigation and a subscription to mbrace2 with Mercedes-Benz Apps.
My MBFS joins existing apps from Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Read the full story.
Nissan
Automaker Nissan demonstrated the NV200 taxi’s capability in New York City by launching an interactive marketing campaign titled ‘#HailYes.’
The campaign, created by TBWA New York, centers on capturing New Yorkers’ opinions on the NV200 taxi’s features and encouraging them to give a #HailYes to the Nissan taxi.
The #HailYes campaign reached New Yorkers using a variety of channels to fuel the taxi conversation. Read the full story.
[ Also Read: Is Social Media Changing Car Buying Decisions? ]
Ford
Automaker Ford says its engineers have developed the industry’s first robotic test driving program – now in use at the company’s Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, Mich.
The program aims to meet demands that Ford trucks undergo ever more strenuous Built Ford Tough testing with greater frequency.
The pilot program has been used most recently for durability testing of Ford’s all-new full-size Transit van, which launches in 2014. Read the full story.
Volvo Car Group
Volvo Car Group reveals a number of user-friendly safety and support technologies that will be introduced in the all-new Volvo XC90 at the end of 2014.
The new technologies for the upcoming Volvo XC90 will be tested by a number of international media representatives this summer. Read the full story.
Chrysler Group
Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand announced it is teaming up with Universal Pictures in the United States to promote “Rush.”
It is a Ron Howard biographical action film based on the true story of Austrian Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and his return to racing after a 1976 crash that almost took his life. Read the full story.
[ Also Read: Chevrolet Invites Filmmakers to Make Films for The Oscars ]
Nissan
Automaker Nissan has unveiled an IT system for light commercial vehicles that uses smartphones to provide safety and performance data to both drivers and fleet managers in real time.
By using the service, fleet managers will be able to cut down on running costs by remotely monitoring maintenance information, as well as the driving behavior of their staff, while the vehicles are on the road.
Drivers will also receive real-time information to help them operate their vehicles more safely. Read the full story.
Volvo Car Group
Volvo Car Group introduces its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). The new architecture will take the company towards its aim that by 2020, no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.
The new SPA architecture enables significant improvements both when it comes to offering protection in worst-case scenarios and when creating features that support the driver in avoiding accidents. Read the full story.
Acura
The Acura NSX, in concept form, debuts in Gran Turismo 6 (GT6). The ‘real driving simulator’ available exclusively for the PlayStation 3 system gives sports car enthusiasts their first opportunity to get behind the wheel of the next generation Acura NSX Concept. Read the full story.
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