Most vehicles built in the last year or so have been rolling off the line with some form of infotainment system. This area of automotive technology is one of the fastest growing, but as automakers race to make their vehicles as modern and technologically advanced as possible, they are encountering a few snags along the way.<\/p>\n
"Until recently, this type of sophisticated technology was found primarily on high-end models," said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, over the past few years, it has rapidly found its way into the automotive mainstream. For example, in 2012, more than 80 percent of owners indicate that their new vehicle has some form of hands-free technology."<\/p>\n
J.D. Power and Associates recently released the results of the annual Initial Quality Study (IQS), and while overall scores have seen a 5 percent improvement, the onboard technology segment took a hit. In fact, in the 26 years the study has been conducted, this is the first time more problems were reported concerning navigation, audio and entertainment than any other area of car ownership.<\/p>\n
When it came to hands-free technology, which is designed to reduce distractions behind the wheel, drivers reported these systems commonly fail to recognize commands. The rate of this problem has increased 137 percent in the past four years, making it the most prominent issue in the industry.<\/p>\n
"As smartphones become ubiquitous in the lives of consumers and are ever-more sophisticated, expectations about the complementary technologies being offered in new models will only get higher," explained Sargent.<\/p>\n