The Digital Natives Generation Wants to Stay Connected in the car Through the Internet, Smartphones and Apps

BURSCHEID, Germany, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --



Johnson Controls conducted a survey of approximately 2,800 young people in Germany, Great Britain, China and the U.S.

Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive interiors and electronics, conducted a survey to find out what "digital natives" expect from the car of the future. Approximately 2800 young people were surveyed in Germany, Great Britain, China and the United States. Their key desire: to stay connected to the digital world while driving, too.

"To this generation, a car is a place where they are largely cut off from the Internet and mobile communications," said Andreas Maashoff, director of Industrial Design & Market Research. "Digital natives are almost always online, reachable and in communication - whether at home, the office, university or on the go. They want a car that also keeps them connected to the digital world."

Digital natives were born post-1980. They have grown up in a world of digital technologies, where life without the Internet, smartphones, tablet PCs and MP3 players is inconceivable. These devices are an expression of this generation's lifestyle.  This generation has three key requirements of the car of the future: connectivity, access to information and voice control.

The findings of the Johnson Controls' survey revealed that digital natives want to be able to easily connect and use their devices, such as smartphones and tablet PCs, in their vehicle, too. It's important to them that they can wirelessly connect their digital devices to the vehicle's main onboard computer and charge them while driving.

Another priority for those surveyed was easy access to information in the vehicle, such as location-based services that link information from the navigation system and Internet to the current location they are driving through. An example is when running short on fuel, automatically being led to a gas station in the area that offers the best prices.

Digital natives want to be able to operate their vehicle like a smartphone and receive real-time information on all car systems, drawing their attention to service or repair needs. They also want touch displays that allow them to download special apps - for controlling the air-conditioning system or saving fuel - which can be adapted to suit their personal preferences. As safety is also an important factor, digital natives want to be able to control all functions and devices they use using voice commands. Many of those surveyed suggested using technologies that read e-mails or messages from social networks while driving.

This generation tends to buy small or medium segment vehicles. "In order to reach this target group, we must focus on applying more innovations in the lower vehicle segments from the outset," said Andreas Maashoff. "In the ie:3 concept vehicle, Johnson Controls shows how it addresses the needs of digital natives through human-machine interface."

Examples of the technology that appeal to digital natives include a nine-inch multi-touch display with information graphics and a Combiner Head-up Display, which projects key information on an interface in the driver's field of vision. The ie:3 concept car also features wireless charging in the floor console that can charge two mobile end devices wirelessly and safely.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 162,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics. We support all major makers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 240 locations worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete interiors. With our global capability we supply approximately 50 million cars per year.

For more information, please contact:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Industriestrasse 20-30
51399 Burscheid
Germany
Oliver Herkert
Tel.: +49-2174-65-4348
Fax: +49-2174-65-3219
E-Mail: oliver.herkert@jci.com