SunTrust On Auto Connectivity: Conversation Moving Beyond Google

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey's Bob Peck on Monday commented in a note that Google Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) is no longer the dominant name within the connected automobile space.

“When it came to automobiles this year the conversation moved beyond Google and its self-driving cars and included 10 traditional auto manufacturing companies like Volkswagen, Toyota and Ford,” Peck wrote. The analyst adds that the space is still in an early stages of exploring the full opportunities and benefits.

According to Peck, Wi-Fi enabled cars can track the user's route and suggest improvements. At the same time, a connected car can sync with a user's Home system to adjust preferred temperature before the user arrives home.

Here are some observations Peck made at the recent Consumer Electronics Show:

Peck notes that Audi is creating a self-learning vehicle that collects data from sensors and cameras while General Motors Company's (NYSE: GM) “driver assessment” program will also use sensors to track things like drivers braking, acceleration and speed habits to offer feedback to the user.

General Motors is also using its OnStar product and plans to launch a program “AtYourService” that enables a human to help users with finding parking, reserving a hotel room or restaurant reservations.

Hyundai displayed an Android-based voice command watch that allows remote access to vehicles and can also start a vehicle's engine.