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How Connected Vehicles Are Reshaping the Automotive Industry

by  Nick Goodnight     Apr 21, 2025
connected-vehicles

The vehicle of the future moves along the roadway by anticipating the moves of other vehicles and moving toward the destination inputted by the driver. This is a situation that the autonomous and connected vehicle excels at. The ability of the vehicle to understand how other vehicles operate on the roadway will undoubtedly change the way people interact with the vehicle and how the vehicle interacts with the environment around it. The connected vehicle (CV) will be able to utilize J2735 standard produced by SAE provides a framework on how Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) protocol should be built into a CV (Sumner et al., 2013). Providing these standards allows OEMs to build their communication protocols to match each other and provide that pathway to a safer future. Along with communication between moving vehicles, infrastructure is being enhanced to provide information to the vehicle like stop light timing, railroad crossings, pedestrian movements and various other infrastructure related information so that vehicle can decide how to approach the situation the safest way possible. Throughout this blog we look at the connected vehicle, how it will change the way the technician will repair it and what the future might hold.  

What is a Connected Vehicle?
A connected vehicle is one that has the ability to connect to the internet, infrastructure, other vehicles and pedestrians while it is on the roadway (Apte, 2024). Utilizing those features allows the vehicle to keep moving in the right direction while increasing the safety of the driver in the vehicle. As available information increases to the vehicle, the ECU/Artificial Intelligence (AI) present within its network, the vehicle can determine the potential hazards around it and adjust operations to make sure it will not get into a situation that could cause a collision. This active threat mitigation will decrease the possibility of physically striking a person or other object. A connected vehicle came to about is related to the development and proliferation of low latency cellular networks throughout the world. The ability to obtain information and then take action based on that information quickly is the vital part of this technological development. Combining cellular networks, 4G and 5G, along with Wi-Fi local networks, allows the vehicle to switch to the most convenient communication protocol to meet the needs of the situation. This is crucial to implementing Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication which can be broken down into some of these sub-categories: 

  1. Vehicle-to-Vehicle(V2V): Just as the title states this is vehicle to vehicle communication to help each navigate the roadway through an understanding of what each is trying to accomplish 

  1. Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I): This is communication between the vehicle and roadside infrastructure. Traffic lights, road signs, smart city systems and other built environment structures. 

  1. Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P): This provides a conduit for communication between the vehicle and pedestrian devices alerting them about potential related situations.  

  1. Vehicle-to-Network (V2N): Connecting the vehicle to the global network provides the vehicle with updates, remote diagnostics and other cloud-based features.  

These types of features are just the tip of the iceberg in how the vehicle can connect with other networks to help it operate throughout the environment. The V2X idea opens a whole new area of development for the mobility industry. 

Infotainment and Consumer Engagement
By connecting the vehicle to the Internet of Things (IOT), the ability of the vehicle to become an extension of the connected generation is providing an outlet for OEMs to create a reoccurring revenue stream. Depending on your viewpoint, this could be a benefit or a detriment to the ownership of the vehicle. BMW tried to provide the ability of the consumer to turn on or turn off the heated seat feature on their vehicles. This was not received well as the consumer believed that they paid for the feature when they bought the vehicle which is why they discontinued it as the perception was the owner was paying for it multiple times over (Charlton, 2023). This will most likely not be the last time that an OEM will try and change the revenue model to the consumer and the consumer will push back. One of the major benefits of this connectivity is the ability to accomplish Over the Air Updates (OTA), which allows the OEM to fix software errors and update firmware while the vehicle is in the operational environment. This also allows the driver to unlock other features that were not available on the vehicle when it was purchased. Autonomous driving, increased entertainment options and parking assistance features, can all be added or deleted from the vehicle with a simple software key upgrade.  

This ability to build the vehicle with all the required hardware and then control that hardware with software allows the OEM to make one version of the vehicle when manufacturing the vehicle. Another feature of IOT connected vehicles is the use of digital Near Field Communication (NFC) keys. These keys are software driving and can easily be replaced with the proper equipment which will provide a digital signature connecting the current owner with that vehicle. This change will provide for a more secure vehicle without the ability of previous owner’s access to the vehicle. This also provides connected services through a person cloud-based subscription which further customizes the experience.  

Along with customization, the ability of the vehicle to provide safety and security information to the driver and those associated with the driver is another enhancement that has come about because of the connectivity. Utilizing the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), the connected vehicle can adapt to the situation by applying the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system when it gets an indication a collision is imminent. Working through the vehicles network control of the various aspects of the vehicle are all coming under the control of the vehicles main computers which have the computing power to quickly make life or death decisions. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and autonomous driving can also be influenced by the connectivity as it has the ability to direct the vehicle to the destination that is inputted to it by the driver.  

Vehicle Security
As more information flows through the air from one device to another and it is constantly connected to the internet, security issues will become the next biggest threat to those vehicles that are on the web. Typical new vehicles include 100 million lines of code that help operate, manage and keep the vehicle operational (Hodge et al., 2019). Within this code there are multiple ways it to be corrupted or controlled by a nefarious entity. Everything from the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) are all connected to the network either within the vehicle or connected to the vehicle. Because the network is the backbone of communication between nodes, the ability of someone to control the vehicle through accessing the network becomes easier as more controls are granted to it. Cybersecurity and encryption are vital to maintaining the control of the network as well as allowing outside computers monitored access to that network. Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) created a Security Gateway Module (SGW) in 2018 that provides a firewall between the vehicle and external networks (Jscan, 2024). This module can hinder access to the network by those who do not have the proper access to gain entry onto the network. This can be a hinderance for the technician as they must now prove who they are through a third-party application call Auto Auth. This two factor authentication is becoming more of the norm within the automotive industry as vehicles become more connected and consumers are asking the vehicle to do more for them.  

With all the owners and operators information moving through the network, the ability for privacy to be compromised continues to grow. Keeping the vehicles information private from people who would like to track the vehicle, change the vehicle’s direction or otherwise vandalize it requires more and more systems to mitigate that threat. While the OEM is collecting operational data to help improve its product, how much is too much information? Similar to Machine Learning and AI, putting your vehicle into the environment with a connection to the largest network, it can provide anyone who knows has gained access the ability to track and suggest where to go for social engineering of the driver. Just like your phone suggesting you buy a product based on your recent search experience or listening to your conversation, your vehicle will now suggest where you should go, especially if you have been then before. This may be welcomed by a select crowd, most people will not even be aware they are being led to a particular place or purchasing a particular thing based on a suggestion from their vehicle.  

Conclusion
Customization of the driving experience is increasing the adoption of these technologies and demand from the consumer. One such study suggests that millennials accept this benefit based on the proposed personal and societal benefits outweighing the negatives in this situation (Manfreda & Groznik, 2018). Connected vehicles are creating a transformational shift in the way that people use their vehicles in their everyday life. They offer a combination of enhanced safety, convenience, efficiency, and entertainment. As technology continues to evolve and connectivity becomes more prevalent, the open road will be awash with digital data, which will allow for driving that is safer, smarter, and more connected than ever before. This connected life will resemble some futuristic Sci-Fi movie where a person hails a vehicle, it shows up and then autonomously takes them to their destination. The ability to operate independently of actual vehicle ownership and move to a more ridership model will further increase the services a vehicle provides. If there is a way to continually make a profit off of the rider the OEM’s and owners will find a way to accomplish that feat. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are pushing a paradigm shift from ownership to ridership to keep their limited funding for other life experiences and desires.  

The MAST series of CDX provides the instructor with pointed material to exceed the requirements of any ASE training currently on the market. Utilizing the Read-See-Do model throughout the series, the student has various learning modalities present throughout the products which allow them to pick the way they learn the best. From developing simulations on cutting edge topics to providing a depth of automotive technical background, CDX has a commitment to making sure instructors and students have the relevant training material to further hone their skill sets within the mechanical, electrical and software driven repair industry. CDX Learning Systems offers a growing library of automotive content that brings highly technical content to the classroom to keep you and your students up to date on what is currently happening within the Mobility Industry. Check out our Light Duty Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, along with our complete catalog Here. 

 

Related Content
The Influence of AI on the Future of Automotive Technology Development 

The Intersection of Innovation: Self-Driving Cars and the Shared Mobility Revolution   

Alternative Fuel Powered Combustion: What Powers Future Transportation Systems   

About the Author
Nicholas Goodnight, PhD is an Advanced Level Certified ASE Master Automotive and Truck Technician and an Instructor at Ivy Tech Community College. With nearly 25 years of industry experience, he brings his passion and expertise to teaching college students the workplace skills they need on the job. For the last several years, Dr. Goodnight has taught in his local community of Fort Wayne and enjoys helping others succeed in their desire to become automotive technicians. He is also the author of many CDX Learning Systems textbooks, including Light Duty Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (2023), Automotive Engine Performance (2020), Automotive Braking Systems (2019), and Automotive Engine Repair (2018). 

References
 Apte, P. (2024, March 17). What are connected vehicles and why do we need them? Verizon Wireless. https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/articles/s/what-are-connected-vehicles-and-why-do-we-need-them/?msockid=33331a34049b68ad279b0f68054b69ca 

Charlton, A. (2023, September 7). BMW Drops Controversial Heated Seats Subscription, To Refocus On Software Services. Forbes. 

Hodge, C., Hauck, K., Gupta, S., & Bennett, J. (2019). Vehicle Cybersecurity Threats and Mitigation Approaches. www.nrel.gov/publications. 

Manfreda, A., & Groznik, A. (2018). Autonomous vehicles in the smart city era - An empirical study for adoption factors important for millennials. Integrated Politics of Research and Innovations, 419–426. https://doi.org/10.31410/limen.2018.419 

Sumner, R., Eisenhart, B., & Baker, J. (2013). SAE J2735 Standard: Applying the Systems Engineering Process-Final Report. https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/3413

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How Connected Vehicles Are Reshaping the Automotive Industry

by  Nick Goodnight     Apr 21, 2025
connected-vehicles

The vehicle of the future moves along the roadway by anticipating the moves of other vehicles and moving toward the destination inputted by the driver. This is a situation that the autonomous and connected vehicle excels at. The ability of the vehicle to understand how other vehicles operate on the roadway will undoubtedly change the way people interact with the vehicle and how the vehicle interacts with the environment around it. The connected vehicle (CV) will be able to utilize J2735 standard produced by SAE provides a framework on how Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) protocol should be built into a CV (Sumner et al., 2013). Providing these standards allows OEMs to build their communication protocols to match each other and provide that pathway to a safer future. Along with communication between moving vehicles, infrastructure is being enhanced to provide information to the vehicle like stop light timing, railroad crossings, pedestrian movements and various other infrastructure related information so that vehicle can decide how to approach the situation the safest way possible. Throughout this blog we look at the connected vehicle, how it will change the way the technician will repair it and what the future might hold.  

What is a Connected Vehicle?
A connected vehicle is one that has the ability to connect to the internet, infrastructure, other vehicles and pedestrians while it is on the roadway (Apte, 2024). Utilizing those features allows the vehicle to keep moving in the right direction while increasing the safety of the driver in the vehicle. As available information increases to the vehicle, the ECU/Artificial Intelligence (AI) present within its network, the vehicle can determine the potential hazards around it and adjust operations to make sure it will not get into a situation that could cause a collision. This active threat mitigation will decrease the possibility of physically striking a person or other object. A connected vehicle came to about is related to the development and proliferation of low latency cellular networks throughout the world. The ability to obtain information and then take action based on that information quickly is the vital part of this technological development. Combining cellular networks, 4G and 5G, along with Wi-Fi local networks, allows the vehicle to switch to the most convenient communication protocol to meet the needs of the situation. This is crucial to implementing Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication which can be broken down into some of these sub-categories: 

  1. Vehicle-to-Vehicle(V2V): Just as the title states this is vehicle to vehicle communication to help each navigate the roadway through an understanding of what each is trying to accomplish 

  1. Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I): This is communication between the vehicle and roadside infrastructure. Traffic lights, road signs, smart city systems and other built environment structures. 

  1. Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P): This provides a conduit for communication between the vehicle and pedestrian devices alerting them about potential related situations.  

  1. Vehicle-to-Network (V2N): Connecting the vehicle to the global network provides the vehicle with updates, remote diagnostics and other cloud-based features.  

These types of features are just the tip of the iceberg in how the vehicle can connect with other networks to help it operate throughout the environment. The V2X idea opens a whole new area of development for the mobility industry. 

Infotainment and Consumer Engagement
By connecting the vehicle to the Internet of Things (IOT), the ability of the vehicle to become an extension of the connected generation is providing an outlet for OEMs to create a reoccurring revenue stream. Depending on your viewpoint, this could be a benefit or a detriment to the ownership of the vehicle. BMW tried to provide the ability of the consumer to turn on or turn off the heated seat feature on their vehicles. This was not received well as the consumer believed that they paid for the feature when they bought the vehicle which is why they discontinued it as the perception was the owner was paying for it multiple times over (Charlton, 2023). This will most likely not be the last time that an OEM will try and change the revenue model to the consumer and the consumer will push back. One of the major benefits of this connectivity is the ability to accomplish Over the Air Updates (OTA), which allows the OEM to fix software errors and update firmware while the vehicle is in the operational environment. This also allows the driver to unlock other features that were not available on the vehicle when it was purchased. Autonomous driving, increased entertainment options and parking assistance features, can all be added or deleted from the vehicle with a simple software key upgrade.  

This ability to build the vehicle with all the required hardware and then control that hardware with software allows the OEM to make one version of the vehicle when manufacturing the vehicle. Another feature of IOT connected vehicles is the use of digital Near Field Communication (NFC) keys. These keys are software driving and can easily be replaced with the proper equipment which will provide a digital signature connecting the current owner with that vehicle. This change will provide for a more secure vehicle without the ability of previous owner’s access to the vehicle. This also provides connected services through a person cloud-based subscription which further customizes the experience.  

Along with customization, the ability of the vehicle to provide safety and security information to the driver and those associated with the driver is another enhancement that has come about because of the connectivity. Utilizing the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), the connected vehicle can adapt to the situation by applying the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system when it gets an indication a collision is imminent. Working through the vehicles network control of the various aspects of the vehicle are all coming under the control of the vehicles main computers which have the computing power to quickly make life or death decisions. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and autonomous driving can also be influenced by the connectivity as it has the ability to direct the vehicle to the destination that is inputted to it by the driver.  

Vehicle Security
As more information flows through the air from one device to another and it is constantly connected to the internet, security issues will become the next biggest threat to those vehicles that are on the web. Typical new vehicles include 100 million lines of code that help operate, manage and keep the vehicle operational (Hodge et al., 2019). Within this code there are multiple ways it to be corrupted or controlled by a nefarious entity. Everything from the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) are all connected to the network either within the vehicle or connected to the vehicle. Because the network is the backbone of communication between nodes, the ability of someone to control the vehicle through accessing the network becomes easier as more controls are granted to it. Cybersecurity and encryption are vital to maintaining the control of the network as well as allowing outside computers monitored access to that network. Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) created a Security Gateway Module (SGW) in 2018 that provides a firewall between the vehicle and external networks (Jscan, 2024). This module can hinder access to the network by those who do not have the proper access to gain entry onto the network. This can be a hinderance for the technician as they must now prove who they are through a third-party application call Auto Auth. This two factor authentication is becoming more of the norm within the automotive industry as vehicles become more connected and consumers are asking the vehicle to do more for them.  

With all the owners and operators information moving through the network, the ability for privacy to be compromised continues to grow. Keeping the vehicles information private from people who would like to track the vehicle, change the vehicle’s direction or otherwise vandalize it requires more and more systems to mitigate that threat. While the OEM is collecting operational data to help improve its product, how much is too much information? Similar to Machine Learning and AI, putting your vehicle into the environment with a connection to the largest network, it can provide anyone who knows has gained access the ability to track and suggest where to go for social engineering of the driver. Just like your phone suggesting you buy a product based on your recent search experience or listening to your conversation, your vehicle will now suggest where you should go, especially if you have been then before. This may be welcomed by a select crowd, most people will not even be aware they are being led to a particular place or purchasing a particular thing based on a suggestion from their vehicle.  

Conclusion
Customization of the driving experience is increasing the adoption of these technologies and demand from the consumer. One such study suggests that millennials accept this benefit based on the proposed personal and societal benefits outweighing the negatives in this situation (Manfreda & Groznik, 2018). Connected vehicles are creating a transformational shift in the way that people use their vehicles in their everyday life. They offer a combination of enhanced safety, convenience, efficiency, and entertainment. As technology continues to evolve and connectivity becomes more prevalent, the open road will be awash with digital data, which will allow for driving that is safer, smarter, and more connected than ever before. This connected life will resemble some futuristic Sci-Fi movie where a person hails a vehicle, it shows up and then autonomously takes them to their destination. The ability to operate independently of actual vehicle ownership and move to a more ridership model will further increase the services a vehicle provides. If there is a way to continually make a profit off of the rider the OEM’s and owners will find a way to accomplish that feat. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are pushing a paradigm shift from ownership to ridership to keep their limited funding for other life experiences and desires.  

The MAST series of CDX provides the instructor with pointed material to exceed the requirements of any ASE training currently on the market. Utilizing the Read-See-Do model throughout the series, the student has various learning modalities present throughout the products which allow them to pick the way they learn the best. From developing simulations on cutting edge topics to providing a depth of automotive technical background, CDX has a commitment to making sure instructors and students have the relevant training material to further hone their skill sets within the mechanical, electrical and software driven repair industry. CDX Learning Systems offers a growing library of automotive content that brings highly technical content to the classroom to keep you and your students up to date on what is currently happening within the Mobility Industry. Check out our Light Duty Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, along with our complete catalog Here. 

 

Related Content
The Influence of AI on the Future of Automotive Technology Development 

The Intersection of Innovation: Self-Driving Cars and the Shared Mobility Revolution   

Alternative Fuel Powered Combustion: What Powers Future Transportation Systems   

About the Author
Nicholas Goodnight, PhD is an Advanced Level Certified ASE Master Automotive and Truck Technician and an Instructor at Ivy Tech Community College. With nearly 25 years of industry experience, he brings his passion and expertise to teaching college students the workplace skills they need on the job. For the last several years, Dr. Goodnight has taught in his local community of Fort Wayne and enjoys helping others succeed in their desire to become automotive technicians. He is also the author of many CDX Learning Systems textbooks, including Light Duty Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (2023), Automotive Engine Performance (2020), Automotive Braking Systems (2019), and Automotive Engine Repair (2018). 

References
 Apte, P. (2024, March 17). What are connected vehicles and why do we need them? Verizon Wireless. https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/articles/s/what-are-connected-vehicles-and-why-do-we-need-them/?msockid=33331a34049b68ad279b0f68054b69ca 

Charlton, A. (2023, September 7). BMW Drops Controversial Heated Seats Subscription, To Refocus On Software Services. Forbes. 

Hodge, C., Hauck, K., Gupta, S., & Bennett, J. (2019). Vehicle Cybersecurity Threats and Mitigation Approaches. www.nrel.gov/publications. 

Manfreda, A., & Groznik, A. (2018). Autonomous vehicles in the smart city era - An empirical study for adoption factors important for millennials. Integrated Politics of Research and Innovations, 419–426. https://doi.org/10.31410/limen.2018.419 

Sumner, R., Eisenhart, B., & Baker, J. (2013). SAE J2735 Standard: Applying the Systems Engineering Process-Final Report. https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/3413

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