It’s an exciting time to be in the automotive industry, especially as it relates to technology and the pace of innovation. The way that we transport goods and people as well as attitudes toward vehicle ownership are changing and will continue to change in dramatic ways.
I see evidence of this in my own household with my sixteen-year-old son and his notable lack of urgency around getting his drivers’ permit and logging practice hours behind the wheel. His “meh” attitude toward driving is not uncommon among his peers. Perhaps it’s easier for him and his friends to envision a world where autonomous vehicles, drones, and the Hyperloop make driving yourself from place to place seem as pointless as making your bed every morning (another topic on which our views differ).
While the predictions about when these more dramatic driving and transportation advancements will become part of our everyday lives varies, changes to the way consumers shop for and buy vehicles have been happening for the past decade and franchised automobile dealers gravitate toward technology providers and partners dedicated to keeping them current with the changing landscape. Of course, other companies are formed with the objective of “disrupting” established industries by “solving” a problem, and the automotive industry is no exception. But sometimes a problem might not actually be a problem … Outspoken industry voice and longtime FOB (Friend of the Birds), Steve Stauning, was kind enough to write a two-part article about two companies that entered the automotive space within the last few years and his views on why they might succeed or fail.
At 3 Birds, we’re fortunate to be able to collaborate with thought leaders like Steve Stauning. In an effort to provide more smart perspectives for your consideration in our communications, we’ll be incorporating articles and commentary from featured industry voices we respect. We want to provide the type of content that you’re thirsty for so, if there are topics that you’d like to see us cover, send your suggestions to me at kristen@3birdsmarketing.com.