Jump to content
News
Reviews
Discussons
Activity
Create New...
Close
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    By William Maley •

    General Motors Urges Their Dealers To Setup A Tech Center

    William Maley

    Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

    October 31, 2013

    More and more vehicles are coming equipped with elaborate infotainment systems that can do pretty much everything from giving directions to playing music off your phone. But these systems aren't always user friendly. A number of OEMs saw their ratings drop in Consumer Report's Auto Reliability survey because of their infotainment systems. General Motors wants to change that and is asking their 4,300 dealers about adding a customer Connection Center, a place where consumers can learn more and ask about in-vehicle technology and infotainment systems.

    GM spokesman Klaus-Peter Martin tells The Detroit News that the center give customers and the dealers’ certified technology experts a dedicated place to answer questions about technology. The center would also help improve customer loyalty and retention. A handout given to dealers says that 94 percent of customers believe there is a need for tech support, and 57 percent of customers would use it.

    “It’s another effort on our journey to provide this overall customer experience,” said Martin.

    This a voluntary move for all Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers as GM readies a roll-out of embedded 4G LTE mobile Internet access in most of its 2015 vehicles that will be sold in the U.S. and Canada.

    Source: The Detroit News

    William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    G. David Felt

    This is very true, until baby boomers move past the driving phase of their life, they are still challenged with learning new technology. I think dealerships will only help retain customers by having tech overview and support.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    ocnblu

    Sad state of affairs when customers don't know how to use a feature, who was asking for all this "infotainment" crap in the first place? To go to such great lengths to educate the customer indicates a failure across the industry. These systems simply are not needed.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    regfootball

    I could send Albert back to the Buick dealer so he can learn to use Intellilink....

    there are a lot of customers that honestly do not either have time, patience or skill to master the in car electronics now. It is not really their fault. It's a great customer service opportunity. GM could get a jump on the curve and lead in this. It would pay off in surveys. Surveys in the auto world are top importance. If the constant panning of cars as non quality in surveys dues to electronics keeps on, it could damage the brand real fast. Not because the car is not sound mechanically.

    I spent one half of a saturday away from selling once to get XM set up in someone's car (who did not have an easy to set up radio system). I was so pissed, i can only imagine the people who have to try to use myfordtouch without help. i couldnt freaking figure out MFT in the focus i had a drive in that one time. It seemed like it would take forever to get smooth with that.

    Maybe GM could partner with a verizon or something for tech support on site or something.

    Edited by regfootball
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    vonVeezelsnider

    Look at the IQS ratings on the ATS and XTS. They aren't rated so poorly by JD Power because the doors fall off- it doesn't take a monkey to figure out that if you're going to saddle these types of systems for cars, you have to:

    A) For the love of mike put in enough processing power to operate them in a desirable fashion.

    B) Develop some sort of experiential learning system for getting new owners comfortable with the operation of said systems that goes beyond tossing them an iPad and an app.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    riviera74

    Von is right, but costs come into the equation. Ideally, you get the best chips AND you streamline the code so that the infotainment system is not sluggish and reduces the possibility of it crashing. What GM and others should do is allow one vendor to do the whole infotainment system so that it no longer has performance issues. Basically they could call Apple to have them do this well.... or maybe Google.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    G. David Felt

    Service is top as we all agree, GM could not only lead but clearly set a standard for top notch service. They need this, I have come across many under 40 people that have not had any issues with using the electronics in auto's yet this is not the large buying group that is having issues.

    40+ crowd is a mixed bag of peeps that enjoy driving, know what a freedom machine is about and yet with all the tech no babble systems, many are challenged to use their new auto's to the fullest.

    1) start with better testing by the auto makers for cars. The software quality sucks and is not getting proper QA testing.

    2) During the Mule stage of the auto, they also need a mule stage of the Electronics systems they plan to put into the auto to make sure the public is on board with what is being proposed / built.

    3) Independent quality check by an outside 3rd party of said electronic systems.

    This will improve quality of the products, reduce support costs, reduce warranty costs, improve company image and over all increase sales due to a better customer experience.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    ×

  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • A Horse With No Name
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By A Horse With No Name · Posted

    • A Horse With No Name
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By A Horse With No Name · Posted

      Having been to Mexico, I can say that Mexican food in Mexico is better than almost any Mexican food you will eat in the USA. Good. I love this, can't happen to more deserving folks.  Time for Tesla to drive off into the history books and rest in peace with Tucker, Saturn, Studebaker, and Whippet. Will be interesting to see which direction you go next. I always loved that building. My wife worked for a few summers in Philly when we were dating...was always happy to visit Philadelphia for a number of reasons. It is gorgeous
    • A Horse With No Name
      Kia News: Kia EV2, The EV everyone will love or will they?

      By A Horse With No Name · Posted

      I see tons of BYD and Kia electrics in Mexico, but very few Teslas....proof that folks south of the border have more sense. Love the KIA DESIGN LANGUAGE.
    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      WOW, California now has 48% more chargers than gas pumps. California Just Crossed an EV Milestone. Here's How
    • G. David Felt
      Kia News: Kia EV2, The EV everyone will love or will they?

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Showcased as a Concept in Tarragona, Spain for Kia EV day, the Concept EV2 is a agile B-segment electric SUV that show cases what a production model could be for people to experience urban spaces in new immersive ways. The Concept EV2 is designed for the lifestyle-driven buyers who want cutting edge technology with a connected inspiring driving experience. Kia stated the key exterior features of the Concept EV2: Clean, confident exterior look with vertical DRLs, Kia’s Star Map signature lighting, and a dynamic appearance Compact design, with a strong silhouette and rugged bumpers, gives the Concept EV2 a bold, premium feel Profile combines solid stance with a dynamic shoulder line, robust fenders, and geometric glass and wheel arch details for a refined, technical look Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song stated the following: “The Kia Concept EV2 represents a bold step forward for the future of urban mobility. With the Concept EV2, we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that defies expectations, offering innovative technology and practicality beyond its size. This concept previews Kia’s future vision to redefine the segment, bringing a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers. It's a clear signal of our dedication to making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone." Kia stated that the Concept EV2 is a preview of an accessible sub-compact SUV for the masses that is a B-segment EV that hits above its class. Offering innovative experiences with beyond class features. The vision of the Concept EV2 is to bring sustainable mobility to everyone. The Concept EV2 is clearly identifiable as a part of the Kia EV Family. A clean design that projects a unique confident character as the EV2 starts off with DRLs or Daytime running lights. Kia believes they have delivered a sophisticated focus of style in a city-friendly dimension while also projecting a rugged appearance. This dynamic character on the outside continues with a dynamic interior. Key features of the Concepts EV2 interior: Sustainable interior with flexible seating, vibrant design, and functional LED lighting Easy access and versatility with rear-hinged doors, flat floor, and wide-opening tailgate for active urban lifestyles Concept EV2 features pop-up luggage dividers, message window tech, and removable triangular speakers for customizable audio experience Kia is focused on an interior that hits above the beltline for its b-class and yet also allows innovation so that folks can adjust for just about any reason / experience. The Kia Concept EV2 continued to hit above what other companies have done by stating that this B-Segment sub-compact will offer features usually found on larger class EVs. Second row folding seats V2L or Vehicle-to-Load charging OTA or Over-the-Air updates If you were in bad weather but still wanted to have a picnic, the EV2 has a flat floor where one could fold up the rear seats, slide the front seats up against the dash and enjoy a picnic in a segment leading interior floor space. The creation of an expansive area that users can take full advantage of when parked continues with no central pillar and rear-hinged rear doors. The Concept EV2 will have a diagonal LED lighting throughout allowing lighting to be available where one needs it for the lifestyle you want to live. Music can be played through the Concept EV2 triangle speakers found in the front doors and in strategically placed interior areas. Concept EV2 features an innovative pop-up sliding luggage dividers and straps that secure items of all size. Kia's unique message lighting allows occupants to display text messages through the windows allowing communication with pedestrians and other road users. Kia has since stated the EV2 will go into production globally with a launch in early 2026 in Europe and spreading out across the quarters to Asia and North America. Pricing and full options details will be released closer to launch. Kia/Hyundai/Genesis has also announced that they will be investing 21 billion U.S. dollars in expanding their U.S. production capabilities. This will cover the following: The Group to invest a total of USD 21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028 USD 9 billion to expand U.S. automobile production to 1.2 million units annually USD 6 billion to enhance parts, logistics and steel business, increasing the localization of auto parts and strengthening supply chains USD 6 billion to expand future industries and strengthen external partnerships and energy infrastructure, including EV charging Investment is expected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by 2028, including 14,000 direct full-time jobs Expansion of production will happen in Alabama and Georgia as well as a production of a Electric Arc Furnace steel mill in Louisiana producing 2.7 million tons of high-strength light weight steel products. This investment will expand the robust nature of their supply chain across the U.S. This investment has a commitment that goes beyond what most companies do in that six billion will cover the following investments: Collaborating with Boston Dynamics to expand the U.S. ecosystem for robotics components and establish a mass-production system Partnering with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of AI solutions for future mobility, including autonomous driving and robotics Advancing R&D with Supernal, the Group’s US affiliate for AAM business, to commercialize an eVTOL vehicle by 2028 Supplying robotaxis to Waymo as part of its strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Company, and co-developing autonomous driving services with Aptiv Investing potential startups through venture capital and other funding mechanisms to support U.S. startups specializing in mobility, robotics, and AI Strategic cooperation between Hyundai Engineering & Construction Holtec International on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology Establishing infrastructure to bolster use of renewable energy Investing in IONNA EV charging alliance to expand infrastructure This commitment of investment is expected to generate 570,000 jobs nationwide as Kia presses on to become the dominate ICE / Hybird / EV producer in North America. This brings it back to the question that started it all, will the public love and want the EV2? View full article

  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

I've whitelisted
Continue without support

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search