Shipments of connected automotive infotainment systems will grow from 9 million in 2013 to more than 62 million in 2018 with connected navigation, multimedia streaming, social media, and in-car Wi-Fi hotspots becoming key features.

ABI Research VP and practice director Dominique Bonte comments, “Open platforms continue their march forward. While both the GENIVI consortium (open source common automotive infotainment reference platform) and the Car Connectivity Consortium (MirrorLink screen replication technology) somewhat struggle to find momentum, the car industry is now turning its attention to HTML5 and Android with both Renault (R-Link) and Volvo (Sensus Connected Touch platform based on Parrot’s Asteroid Smart) embracing (heavily) modified versions of the Android operating system.”

In a similar vein, automotive applications and/or stores have become standard components of any connected automotive infotainment platform with the automotive industry finally realizing the ability to download aftermarket services and apps is a powerful way to keep systems up-to-date and relevant during the vehicle lifecycle.

On the connectivity side, 4G seems to finally have been accepted as the connectivity technology of the future, following GM’s announcement to adopt AT&T’s 4G technology to power next generation infotainment platforms offering navigation, in-car hotpots, and multimedia services. Clearly, carriers across the globe are keen to play a key role in the connected car and more generally the Internet of Everything revolution.

ABI Research’s new “Connected Car” Market Data provides detailed forecasts of connected automotive infotainment solutions including hardware shipments and service revenue for the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa & the Middle East. It is part of the Automotive Infotainment (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/service/automotive-infotainment/) and Automotive Technologies Research Services (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/service/automotive-technologies/).

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.