The transport industry is evolving at a great speed, from purely mechanics-based cars to technology-driven cars, this field is transforming every second. It is only because of the tech-driven society we are living in.
Not only transport, we have also seen the influence of technology in every industry; be it food, travel, or even courier delivery. We book a cab in just a few clicks and the cab arrives at the doorsteps. Similarly we get our food delivered as per our odd hour hunger cravings and also shop groceries online to create a balance in our hectic lives. .
“I don’t have time” is just a lie because everything is being done for us to save our time, and provide us with a better experience. We see people around who prefer Uber rather than traveling by own car as the number of cars being leased on finance increases the popularity of personalized services. It would be fair to say the world is running on mobility as a service.
The article explains how autonomous transport is being developed and will affect our society. To understand this, let us first see what autonomous cars are.
The autonomous car is an alias for driverless cars, robot cars and, self-driving cars. These cars are capable of guiding themselves without human intervention. This is no more an imaginary car; Google and Uber are already working on self-driving cars and are frequently testing the tech in real-world situations. This technology may lead to a world where computers will take over the art of driving.
What is Mobility on Demand?
Uber brought the concept of vehicle sharing. Because of its impeccable success, it influenced urban drivers to think about the options available when it comes to owning or accessing a vehicle. There are people who have cars but do not like driving and have no emotional connection to their cars.
The automotive world is about to face an irrevocable change if the autonomous driving technology gets adopted. This would offer a vehicle that drives itself and is available at the right time for the right people with Mobility on Demand.
The current state of this technology
In urban areas, people prefer Uber and ZipCar to get around rather than using their own vehicles. However, customers still see Uber as an additional service rather seeing it as the beginning of Mobility on Demand.
Predictions say that it would take at least 10 years for this technology to flourish which would lead to a chain of effects. It totally depends on the government authorities, whether they potentially block its path or facilitate the transformation of futuristic commuting.
It is hard to say when consumers will have the result, but autonomous cars are already here. It will not take much time to embed this technology and turn it into mainstream commuting method. Testing this technology is safer in less congested areas but its demand is higher in the city. Therefore, it might start from there.
Marketing opportunities for agencies
As we all know, change is inevitable. This might cause a problem for the automotive industry including mechanics, car sales clerk, car washes, gas stations, and garages. Many of the top organizations have realized this and are investing in companies that are providing solutions for mobility on demand.
The eradication of these sectors will have a bad effect on the marketing industry but mobility on demand will open many new doors for marketing. The advertising techniques, audience targets, and conversion rates will be completely different when this technology blooms. This may lead to merging of other technologies like machine learning and AI with Mobility on Demand. Leading marketers to play with data and think ahead is very exciting.
Mobility on Demand may appeal to children as well. Integrating entertainment options will enhance the travel experience of the children. Marketers would face the challenge of targeting the 7-year-olds, thinking of what would excite them.
Would this target non-digital audience?
In 10 years from now, the technology would be much more advanced than we have ever thought. Alexa and Google Assistant are currently taking over homes by targeting a group of elderly people or the people who are not digitally sound. By the time mobility on demand becomes fully functional, AI voice command will take over and make it simpler for non-digital natives. This would provide a hands-free access, allowing marketers to target all the segments.
This is not an overnight change, but a steady mode of evolution that will be adopted eventually. Automobile manufacturers have joined hands with Google, Uber, and high-profile startups to capitalize the technological advances that will power next-generation autonomous vehicles.
