Skip to main content

Car-sharing operators move to smartphone-based car access systems

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of the Vehicle-sharing Technologies Market, finds that the global car-sharing user base will reach 26 million members by 2020. Car-sharing operators (CSOs) in North America will lead the way in terms of technology deployments, followed by Europe. To meet the growing demand, partnerships among CSOs, technology companies and original equipment manufacturers will gather pace. Over the years, vehicle-sharing technologies have evolved from simple manual
November 27, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
New analysis from 2097 Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of the Vehicle-sharing Technologies Market, finds that the global car-sharing user base will reach 26 million members by 2020. Car-sharing operators (CSOs) in North America will lead the way in terms of technology deployments, followed by Europe. To meet the growing demand, partnerships among CSOs, technology companies and original equipment manufacturers will gather pace.

Over the years, vehicle-sharing technologies have evolved from simple manual systems to increasingly complex computer-based systems. In the next three to seven years, the market will move away from off-the-shelf technologies toward open source software, plug and play systems and smartphone-based near field communications/ Bluetooth low energy (NFC/BLE) technologies. By 2025, automated driving, connected mobility and electric vehicle charging technologies will form the crux of the vehicle-sharing technology market.

“NFC based technologies are being incorporated as a basic standard in smartphones by the majority of the smartphone makers. This will unearth opportunities for cost-effective, smartphone-based remote vehicle control solutions,” said Frost & Sullivan intelligent mobility senior research analyst Albert Geraldine Priya. “CSOs will also be able to deliver a superior ‘car ownership’ experience through automatic personalisation features such as rear-view mirror and seat adjustments configured in the smartphone.”

On the flip side, smartphone-based access control and vehicle tracking solutions have several inherent security issues. The risk of hacking, interception of communication signals, thefts, data corruption and viruses will delay the adoption of smartphone-based vehicle-sharing solutions.

Concerns surrounding the effective integration of third party hardware and software solutions with business processes deter most car-sharing operators from subscribing to third-party services. In addition, legal regulations in some countries fail to create an environment conducive to the uptake of vehicle-sharing technologies. However, the advantages far outweigh the challenges.

“CSOs are looking to attract more subscribers by lowering costs and enhancing user experience through the integration of smartphone-based keyless access into car-sharing solutions,” noted Priya. “Semi-autonomous and fully autonomous cars in vehicle-sharing fleets will become a reality by 2018 and 2025 respectively, further simplifying car-sharing and opening up additional markets for participants in the vehicle-sharing technologies market.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Growing traditional and P2P car sharing services key to future of urban mobility in Europe – web conference
    July 5, 2012
    New research by Frost & Sullivan reveals that there were more than 0.7 million members in Europe alone who adopted car sharing as a sustainable transport solution for daily travelling at the end of 2011. Car OEMs as well as transport operators have started to get active in this market, increasing competition for already existing market players.
  • Growth of China’s hybrid and electric powered vehicles market
    November 30, 2012
    New analysis from Frost and Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of the Chinese Hybrid and Electric Transit Bus Market, finds that the total hybrid and electric transit bus sales in China are expected to reach over 12,000 units by 2018, from 3,374 units in 2011. By 2018, the hybrid and electric powertrain penetration in transit buses is anticipated to be more than 14 percent. The total transit bus sales are likely to exceed 80,000 units by 2018, cementing China's domination of the global transit bus market. This is
  • Gearing up for the global electric vehicle revolution
    May 3, 2019
    As transport, communications and energy networks become inextricably linked, policy makers are recognising the implications for our built environment – and the growing electric vehicle market will have a major impact on the world’s infrastructure, says Rolton Group’s Chris Evans
  • Byton debuts smart intuitive vehicle at CES 2018
    January 8, 2018
    Byton’s new smart intuitive vehicle, which features an all-new design and innovative human-vehicle interaction, has made its global debut at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018. It is designed with the intention of providing a shared, smart mobility and autonomous driving solution and will be available in China next year and in the U.S. and Europe in 2020. The car is equipped with multiple display screens, with a traditional console replaced by a Shared Experience Display that enables content to be shared