Automakers have been installing increasingly complex infotainment systems in their cars for a number of years, but a recent study suggests that their efforts have not been very well received.
Automotive consultancy firm SBD and Nielsen released a survey Wednesday, reported by Automotive News, which found that many car owners are frustrated with the infotainment features automakers are pushing so heavily. The survey, which polled 14,000 car owners in April and May, found that 43% of car owners felt automakers are adding too many tech features to their cars.
The survey questioned car owners about their satisfaction with various individual components of their cars, with the bottom 10 being entirely made up of infotainment features. Voice recognition was the worst, joined by smartphone integration, configurable instrument panels and apps.
As it turns out, carmakers are good at making cars, not smartphones. Who in a million years would have ever thought?
Automakers started loading their cars with infotainment features in an attempt to attract younger buyers and drive up profit margins, but so far, it has mostly served to create dissatisfaction among customers.
Why would you spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a subpar navigation system when you already have Google Maps installed on your phone? That's the problem Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are attempting to solve.
The study also found that car owners ignore or are completely unaware of a variety of the infotainment features in their cars like in-dash hard drives for music storage, CD players and concierge services.
The survey suggests what is probably common sense to many: Automakers should stick to what they know best and leave the complex technology to companies who know what they're doing.