Connected cars might seem like a futuristic topic, but cars have been connected for some time.  Radio was introduced into cars as early as 1930 and advertising quickly followed.

Loren Hillberg, President of Thinknear shared how internet connected cars will soon change marketing to those on the go.  Thinknear is owned by Telenav who has built award winning technology in personal navigation and online search for the automotive industry.

Consumers in cars present a unique customer opportunity – they are on the go, can travel fast, make immediate decisions and are particularly sensitive to location contextual information.

Car manufacturers have a great interest in developing this new marketing platform and are looking for opportunities to help make it more convenient for drivers to not just get to their destination but to explore and discover the area around them.  Auto manufacturers will control that platform allowing them to monetize it.  They can also collect plenty of personal data at scale and use it for audience and behavioral targeting.

Auto manufacturers are also preparing for the future of self-driving cars that will free up the “drivers” to further utilize technology in the vehicle to consume media and respond to marketing.