The Internet of Things (IoT) is helping to launch the world into the future, bringing more and more smart connected devices to the market. Currently, one of the biggest trends in IoT technology is smart connected cars. IoT has enabled automotive manufacturers to offer groundbreaking Wi-Fi connected vehicles, but the technology is set to transform public transportation as well. For example, some buses and subway trains will soon be outfitted with security cameras, built-in Wi-Fi and chargers. However, no trend is as great as smart connected cars. Recently, there’s been a surge in smart technology in cars, and soon that surge will go into overdrive.

How Smart Connected Cars Work and Trends in Smart Car Technology

Smart or “connected” cars are connected in two ways, via tethering and via embedding. Tethered smart cars use hardware that allows drivers to connect using their smartphones. Embedded smart cars connect using their own chipset and built-in antenna. These connections have led to stunning innovations – most notably, self-driving technology.

Although cars are not yet fully-automated, there are some cars on the market with automated features. For example, the autopilot feature that enables cars to drive themselves during traffic jams and search the lane ahead for other cars and roadblocks that might prevent them from making the appropriate moves. This has led to the innovative highway autopilot feature, which has blind spot detection technology that enables automated lane changing. Additionally, many cars have self-braking features that allows the car to apply the brakes itself when the driver cannot. The remote valet assistant is another groundbreaking automated feature that gives cars the ability to park and move in and out of small spaces when summoned by a key fob, smartphone or smartwatch.

However, the most exciting trend in self-driving technology is the driver operated vehicle that can switch to self-driving mode with the push of a button. Expansion in this technology will eventually lead to driverless, fully-automated vehicles. In fact, a fully-automated model should make it onto the market within the next five years. Hopefully, all of these features will lead to safer traveling and cheap auto insurance.

Apps and Connected Cars

IoT technology has helped make GPS systems obsolete, replacing them with app integration, and apps like Google Maps. App integration has also allowed for apps like Gasbuddy to be created. This app allows drivers to find the cheapest gas in their area. Besides that, apps like Spotify are now more popular than traditional and satellite radio, which makes them the first choice of automakers as well.

How Smart Cars Will Remain Connected

Smart cars are becoming even more connected, and will remain connected if the manufacturers keep up with the times. Wi-Fi connection is allowing manufacturers to release real-time software updates, which is important if a recall occurs. Greater connectivity via Wi-Fi and more is also giving auto manufacturers new ways to sell their services and products.

Collected data from vehicles can also be used to help analyze performance and gather data on how drivers use their vehicles, which will help with future car design and IoT technology integration. Interest is growing in connected cars, so there’s ample room for growth. In fact, the smart technology of in-car infotainment centers is expected to grow from $7 billion in sales to $15 billion in sales by 2021.

The Top “Connected” Companies

Several automakers and tech companies are making waves with their connected car technology and innovations. For example, BMW is leading the way in smart car technology, followed by Tesla, Daimler, Toyota and General Motors (GM). In the tech industry, tech giants, such as AT&T, Google, Apple, Pandora, Microsoft and Sprint have spent millions on IoT and/or connected car technology. Not to mention, Tesla Motors is created a “super-model” that will be more intuitive than other smart cars and make self-driving vehicles ten times safer.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things has changed the way people drive, and will continue to change it well into the future. For now, cars can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, have app integration and provide driving and parking assistance, but one day they will be able to drive on their own without a driver behind the wheel and so much more. In the next few years, the technology IoT brings to transportation and logistics will change the way the world drives. This will make driving easier and establish the “connected car” as a mainstay.

Generating enough sales is critical for any business to succeed. With an adequate amount of sales, a business will be making sufficient revenue to cover its expenses and become profitable. As a sales representative, you will be responsible for making sure that the company makes enough revenue to reach its goals. At times sales can be difficult, but there are ways in which you can reach your sales goals. You can also participate in activities that help improve your results as well. In order to get the most out of your sales experience, it will be important to contact your very best leads, emphasize customer needs and also explain to customers the benefits of your services. By doing these three things, your sales results will greatly improve.

Contact Your Best Leads First

The first thing you will want to do in order to improve your sales experience is to contact your very best leads. As a salesperson, there will be a number of customers who are more sincere than others. What this means is that there are prospective customers who are really looking to buy a car. As a result, it will be important to stay in contact with them on a regular basis. Since many people view buying a new car as a serious purchase decision you will want to talk with them frequently to ensure that they feel comfortable with their decision, and to build trust with your customer. By contacting your best leads, you will be in a position to make more sales on a consistent basis.

Emphasize the Customer’s Needs

Another way of improving your experience as a salesperson is to emphasize the customer’s needs. Whenever a person looks to buy a car, they are looking to fulfill a certain need. Whether they are looking for something that is more modern, faster, powerful or safer they will look to buy something that meets one of their preferences. As a salesperson, it is your objective to tell a customer that your cars will meet their needs. During this process, it will be important to tell them how your cars are safer, higher quality, and more productive. You will want to give them the impression that your car dealership will solve their problems. You will also want to look for needs that other dealerships may not help their customers with. After anyone purchases a car they will need to get it registered, obtain car insurance, and know where to go if they need any maintenance or repairs. As the customer sees you trying to help them with many different needs that come with buying a car they will have a better experience and will be more likely to return to you when they need another car. By going with this approach, you will be in good position to drastically improve your sales results.

Show That Your Dealership Actually Cares

When looking to improve your sales results, it will be vital that you explain the benefits of your using your dealership. By showing great customer service you are able to show the customer that you care about them as a person and not just as a dollar sign. A great way to show that you are care about more than just money is to show the customer the ways you are involved in the community. Showing this allows them to see that the money they spend will be used for good things.

Another great customer service tools is a follow up call, even if they don’t buy. People don’t always buy a car the moment they walk into the dealership; they like to shop around, but you can use that to your advantage. You calling the customer a day or two after they have come into your dealership shows that they matter, and you are dedicated to giving them the best option they can afford. If, they say they are going in a different direction don’t get upset. Be courteous and kind, and who knows your great customer service could be the reason why they choose you the next time they want to buy a car.

Conclusion

Following steps such as contacting the best leads will enable salespeople to sell to the most sincere customers. Emphasizing the customer needs is another great way to improve sales. This part of the process explains to the customer that the cars offered will allow them to get the results they want. Showing the customer that your dealership actually cares about them will give the customer a great impression of your dealership and give them another reason to buy from you.