DTS, a subsidiary of Xperi, released a new report that discusses the increasing importance of the vehicle as a third space, as well as uncovers drivers’ preferred in-cabin features and functionality.
While Xperi is best known in the radio industry for HD Radio and DTS AutoStage, those are part of a larger Xperi corporate strategy that also involves in-cabin sensing and other in-car technologies.
The report, titled “The Vehicle as a Third Space,” is based on results from a national consumer Caravan survey among 844 U.S. adults who currently own or lease a vehicle.
According to an Xperi press release, the report finds that 75% of Gen Z drivers (ages 18 to 25 years) and 49% of drivers overall are more likely to view their vehicle as a third space today, compared to pre-COVID.
Xperi said, “A third space was defined to survey respondents as a place outside of work and the house, a place to relax, enjoy hobbies, escape the stresses of work – a coffee shop, library, park, or vehicle; the first space as home; and the second space as workplace.”
“Consumers, especially younger drivers, are moving from viewing their vehicle as simple transportation toward seeing it as a space where they can relax and escape,” said Jeff Jury, Xperi senior vice president and general manager. “This demands technology that can merge safety with a vehicle cockpit that meets their entertainment, comfort, personalization and wellness needs. It is the future of the connected car industry.”
Key findings from the report include:
- Safety, comfort, and radio/audio rank highest as vehicle third space design priorities,
- 69% of drivers are interested in receiving health and diagnostic updates from their vehicle,
- And 91% of Millennials and Gen Z are interested in mood-sensing technology to adjust in-vehicle audio content.
