Author: Anthony Fontanelle
With the advent of technology, more and more automotive technologies are being developed by automakers and independent companies. This results to better driving experiences for consumers as well as increasing the safety, comfort, and convenience of traveling on automobiles. One such feature now widely-used are navigational systems.
These systems use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to pinpoint the location of the vehicle and it also shows drivers a map of what lies ahead thus making it easier for drivers to locate an unknown or unfamiliar address. They can also plan their route beforehand.
J.D. Power and Associates recently conducted a study to find out how satisfied are customers using navigational systems. The result is interesting based on the fact that despite customers having experienced problems with navigational systems, the majority of them are still satisfied. According to The Auto Channel, J.D. Power and Associates used six factors to determine the level of satisfaction of consumers. These factors are ease of use, speed of system, system appearance, voice direction, navigation display screen and routing.
According to the study, consumers are highly satisfied with navigational systems' overall appearance and voice directions. On the other hand, consumers are not so satisfied with the current systems' speed. The study found out that on average, there are 225 problems met per 100 units. With that data, one would think that consumers will not be satisfied with their systems, but the truth is that they are satisfied. More than one fifth of the problems reported by polled consumers are regarding accuracy of route and system mounting.
Mike Marshall, the director of automotive emerging technologies with J.D. Power and Associates, said that there is also a big difference between consumers who have bought their navigational system online and on retail stores. "When experiencing a problem, customers who contacted the manufacturer directly-via online or telephone-for support were much more satisfied than those who returned back to the retail store," said Marshall.
"This suggests that retail store representatives may lack the necessary knowledge of the products being sold. However, the direct support provided through the manufacturer may be more knowledgeable and better equipped to answer questions and assist customers with their issues," Marshall added.
But while consumers are satisfied, the study also shows that they are still looking for better features like drivers looking for better KYB shocks shocks for their vehicles. The Auto Channel reported further that consumers will be more satisfied if their navigational system will have the capability to broadcast real-time traffic situation. With that feature, motorists will be able to avoid congested streets.
The result of this study serves as a challenge to developers of these systems. Thus, it is expected that new navigational systems will be packed with more features.
About the Author:Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/consumers-satisfied-with-portable-navigation-devices-277546.html