It takes up most of the space in many new cars. Yet a new survey shows that only one in three people actually use the touchscreen. Here's why.
A new survey shows that only about a third of all drivers regularly use their car's touchscreen.
The study indicates that many drivers find the technology difficult to deal with.
The Norwegian car dealer Sulland is behind the survey, which uncovers widespread challenges among car owners regarding the cars' digital functions.
The results show that some car owners fail to use certain car systems because they are unsure of how to operate them.
The survey, which includes 200 Norwegian car owners, shows concrete figures on the challenges.
- A third of those surveyed never use digital screens because they don't know how they work.
- About a quarter don't know how to use the mobile app.
- A third of those surveyed have problems connecting to a charging station and handling payment.
- About a third have difficulty asking for help.
- A third of those surveyed say they received information when buying a car, but there are still things they wonder about.
Although many car dealers try to review the car's features upon delivery, the multitude of new systems and settings, including touchscreen operation, can be a lot to learn in one go.
Now car owners need more help understanding the touchscreen
And for some, it's simply too much. The complexity means that far from all drivers get to enjoy everything their cars can do.
Madeleine Schoyen, communications manager at Sulland, thinks it's quite clear that there is a problem. Something that needs to be fixed.
– When one in three states that they would have used the app that comes with a newer car if they had been given help on how, it is clear that there is a gap here. And we need to close it.
In response to the survey results, Sulland, which sells brands such as Audi, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, will now offer courses to help customers better understand and use the technology in their cars, including functions controlled via touchscreen.
The initiative appears to meet a need among motorists.
– Our first customer evenings in March have over 250 registered across the country. We think that's a good start, adds Schoyen.
The initiative is intended to help more car owners feel confident in using the many options that modern cars offer.
Even though car dealers are now doing more to help drivers understand their cars better, many more people still prefer physical buttons. This is shown by repeated studies.
And now the buttons are actually becoming part of the safety requirements in Europe. Read more about it here .
