Connected Car Technologies Hit the Road: Empirical Study on Future Developments and Selected Concepts—An Abstract

The increasing interconnection of automobiles among each other as well as with the environment promises the implementation of various new ideas and concepts (Narla 2013). Thereby the connected car seems to be “one of the most fascinating innovations in the long history of the automotive industry” (Telefónica Digital 2013). Enabled by permanent communication between vehicles and environment, experts expect a significant improvement in transport safety, efficiency, and daily travel comfort (Sichitiu and Kihl 2008). This research aims to contribute knowledge to the discussion how connected car technologies will evolve and which concepts and business models will be enabled thereby. With the help of this study, we try to answer the following research questions: (1) How will the connected car technology develop in the future (5–15-years)? (2) Which technology concepts will be dominant and established in the future? (3) What are individual and economic consequences?