Chinese car brands are on the rise - that was already clear before the Shanghai Auto Show. ISC-CX took a closer look at the top trends and developments in the automotive sector.
A German car as a status symbol: that still applies in the era of electric cars. After all, German electric cars are mainly positioned in the high-end segment. This trend was also clearly visible at the Shanghai Auto Show, where German manufacturers presented vehicles such as the VW ID.7, BMW i7, and Mercedes-Maybach EQS. Alongside them, we saw the Chinese BYD Seagull, potentially the first affordable electric compact car, and the most expensive SUV in the world, the Karlmann by IAT. Overall, one of the world's most important auto shows made it clear that the future of the automotive industry is shifting from Europe to China. With 23.5 million new car registrations, China accounts for one-third of the global auto market.
Estimates suggest that there are now more than 300 different car brands in China, all of which not only want to conquer the domestic market but also have their sights set on Europe. It's a positive development, as we need more affordable options to drive the transition towards sustainable mobility and make electric cars accessible to everyone. But what does the future hold for the automotive market in the coming years? We took a closer look at the trends of the Shanghai Auto Show.
Electrifying
Sedans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, concept cars - nearly all manufacturers utilized the show to demonstrate their latest electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. These vehicles are characterized by ever-improving range, innovative charging technologies, and intelligent connectivity.
Self-driving
The latest technologies in autonomous driving were also showcased, including the technology of the German conglomerate ZF, which aims to shape the mobility revolution with 800-volt drive technology and 4D radar. The technology will be installed in Chinese vehicles for the first time, marking the first step towards a future where cars can safely transport passengers from point A to point B without human intervention.
Communicating
An important step towards autonomous mobility is communication and connectivity. At the auto show, cloud-based infotainment systems were showcased, along with Vehicle-to-Everything communication technologies, all aimed at improving the driving experience and reducing traffic congestion. Innovative algorithms can also revolutionize mobility through car-sharing, ride-hailing, and on-demand shuttle services.
Sustainable
Many providers are already pursuing the goal of reducing the emissions of the automotive sector through electromobility and algorithms in sharing services. Efforts in this direction were also presented at the auto show: in addition to alternative drive technologies, manufacturers are increasingly relying on sustainable materials and manufacturing methods.
Mystery shopping: Tested by real customers
No matter how intelligent or self-driving the cars of the future may be, one thing won't change anytime soon: The decision to purchase is made by a human with emotions. Various studies by ISC-CX show that test driving still plays a very important role in the car buying process. So, if the process of getting to a test drive runs smoothly, a big step has been taken. Whether it's a test drive on site, tailored to the customer's doorstep, or in the future via virtual reality glasses - the customer experience is best evaluated by the customer themselves.
This is where mystery shopping programs come in, where trained service testers test the customer experience from the first click on the website to the signing of the contract. The company sets standards in advance, which the service tester checks. The (global) results are presented clearly in a dashboard and the brand or dealer can react in a targeted manner and make improvements in the shortest possible time.
Would you like to learn more about how a Mystery Shopping Program can work for you? Please feel free to contact us.
