Car makers making smartphones will be a trend in China, and if successful, the model will expand to the global market, Canalys said.

(Image credit: CnEVPost)

So how to tell if a carmaker's smartphone strategy is a success or a failure? According to Canalys, the key lies in how often car owners use the phones.

The basic functions and performance of a smartphone from an automaker must be comparable to the devices commonly used by car owners. In addition, the design and user interface need to match the brand tone of the automaker, Canalys said.

To increase frequency of use while driving, automakers need to enable seamless switching of functionality between devices, utilize sensors and devices in the cockpit to enhance the user experience, and provide drivers with intuitive controls, Canalys said.

Automakers must explore strategies to encourage users to try new and scenario-enhancing features that come with smartphone-cockpit integration, Canalys said.

If these features succeed in pleasing users, they will not only enhance the overall user experience of the cockpit, but also create a favorable word-of-mouth for both the smartphone and the car, quickly increasing brand exposure for the automaker, it said.

The production of smartphones by automakers will be a trend in China, and if successful, the model will expand to the global market, Canalys said.

($1 = RMB 7.3068)

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