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A new AT&T Drive Studio and Ericsson study has found that 78% of car buyers worldwide would postpone a purchase by a year in order to benefit from connected car services offered by their preferred brand.

At present, there exists an increase in awareness among consumers across the globe concerning connected car features and their importance in the driving experience. Among US consumers, the Wi-Fi hotspot was the foremost connected car feature in demand.

The study examined purchase drivers, connected car awareness and feature preferences. Respondents included customers likely to purchase a vehicle in the next three years in the United States, Germany, Brazil, Mexico and China. Close to 75% of respondents worldwide consider connected car services to be a key feature in their next vehicle. Additionally, 62% of US respondents were aware of the term “connected car”. US consumers prefer to include connected car wireless connectivity to a shared data plan when priced.

Orvar Hurtig, vice president, Ericsson Global Services and Head of Industry and Society at Ericsson, said: “For the second year in a row, we are witnessing a growing trend where consumers in different parts of the world are not only increasingly aware of the term connected car, but they are placing greater importance on connected car features and services.”

Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things, AT&T Mobility, said: “It's great to see that more drivers understand what a connected car enables them to do. With this increased awareness, we believe you'll see adoption of integrated wireless connectivity in the car continue to take off.”