The future of automotive marketing: It's what's on the inside that counts

This past week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was further proof that the lines are blurring between innovative automakers and technology companies.

The show had several big automaker debuts including: BMW’s i Vision Dee, featuring a windshield that’s also a giant display, Chrysler’s Synthesis interior, which uses AI to learn user preferences, and Google’s launch of HD Maps in Volvo and Polsetar models. From the tech side, Sony debuted their concept EV called Afeela that expands entertainment options. LG presented their interface technology that boosts productivity. Nvidia revealed their autonomous driving platform. And so on.

The common theme among these presentations is that the vehicle interior space will be transformed...

As US states allow EV startups to sell directly to consumers, brand activations like pop-up retail, road shows and local showrooms are building momentum. 

In a KPMG study released last year, nearly half of global automotive executives think that most of new-vehicle sales worldwide will be directly to consumers from the manufacturer, by 2030.

So automakers will need to connect directly with consumers.  And local brand activations are looking like a great solution.