Abstract
The report, Strategic Challenges for Remote Diagnostics in Europe, looks at
the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods and shows the advantages to
be gained from remote systems in distinct areas: -
- Enhanced B-call, transmitting wireless data in the event of a vehicle
breakdown
- Dealership link, sending data relating to any malfunction direct to the
motorist's dealership
- Warranty analysis, enabling manufacturers to monitor trends such a
component reliability and life cycles
- Remote software download, enabling manufacturers to provide a software
patch to fix malfunctioning components, avoiding the need for a vehicle recall
The report charts the limited progress car manufacturers have made thus far in
developing diagnostic services, with some having abandoned projects because of
the difficulties encountered and others proposing more ambitious applications.
SBD identifies consumer reluctance to pay subscriptions for telematics
services as a key factor in limiting the prospects for widespread uptake of
remote diagnostics as a vehicle option and concludes that manufacturers should
consider piggy-backingEtheir services on other telematics systems that have
greater driver appeal. Its study also explores how manufacturers and
dealerships will need to build new co-operative business models, in order for
both parties to gain tangible benefits from the technology.
The European Commission's proposal for a public E-call service to be
established by 2009 could see all new vehicles equipped with communications
platforms capable of supporting additional telematics services, including
remote diagnostics. The report illustrates how the Europe-wide launch of
E-call could provide the launch pad for increasingly sophisticated diagnostics
services and gives a road map for successful future business development.
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