New Technology Rejected by Many Drivers, Report Says

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, California – New automotive technology appears to be wasted on many drivers, according to the J.D. Power 2015 Driver Interactive Vehicle Experience Report.

At least 20 percent of new-vehicle owners have never used 16 of the 33 technology features measured.

The five features drivers most commonly report that they “never use” are in-vehicle concierge, mobile routers, automatic parking systems, head-up display and built-in apps.

Conversely, in-vehicle technologies that are most desirable include vehicle-health diagnostics, blind-spot warning and detection and adaptive cruise control.

The report also examined features that drivers don’t want.

There are 14 tech features that 20 percent or more of owners do not want in their next vehicle. They include Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto, in-vehicle concierge services and in-vehicle voice texting.

“In-vehicle connectivity technology that’s not used results in millions of dollars of lost value for both consumers and the manufacturers,” said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction & HMI research at J.D. Power, in a statement on Tuesday.

The report notes that dealerships can play a critical role in explaining new-vehicle technologies and making consumers feel more comfortable with them.

“While dealers are expected to play a key role in explaining the technology to consumers, the onus should be on automakers to design the technology to be intuitive for consumers,” said Kolodge.

The report is based on responses from more than 4,200 vehicle owners and lessees after 90 days or ownership.

Edmunds says: This report notes that the first 30 days of ownership are critical when it comes to feeling at home with new technology. Your dealership’s staff will be happy to help ease the transition and explain how everything works.