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From what we are seeing, they, like Harman, are recognising the shifting emphasis from individual features and functions to the importance of the overall experience for users, how it integrates within their daily lives and works seamlessly with their other devices. TR: Several OEMs, including significant global players, are represented in the EPM Advisory Council, such as Ford, GM, Hyundai, Nissan, Polaris and Stellantis. TR: The vision of the EPM Advisory Council is that each new vehicle model will receive an EPM Index rating that can be merchandised by the OEM or by retailers, making it incredibly easy for consumers to access and cross-reference during the purchase process. JA: How do you see this being used in a retail setting? Someone that clocks up lots of business miles would seek a high-scoring vehicle for commuting journeys, while those wanting a suitable family car might seek out a vehicle that has high marks for both giving others lifts and for road trips. A consumer can focus in on their most common trip types and look for vehicles that score highly for those journeys and goals. It provides a score at the overall trip or journey type level, rather than rating different functions or technologies. TR: The concept is that each new vehicle model coming to market is given a EPM Index rating to enable consumers to make like-for-like comparisons before purchasing a vehicle. Electrification and the progress of autonomy are compounding this shift. Previously, a consumer would ask ‘how fast can I go from 0 to 60?’ when looking to purchase a vehicle, but such questions have now become ‘how can this vehicle improve my commute?’, or ‘can I access my important content on the go?’.
Tom Rivers (TR): The automotive industry is evolving from valuing the traditional criteria of horsepower and RPM to one where the experience in the vehicle is more highly prized. Just Auto (JA): What is the Experiences Per Mile (EPM) Index? Why does the EPM Advisory Council see it as necessary? EPM Advisory Council member Tom Rivers, vice president of global automotive marketing at Harman International, explains. This metric evaluates the in-vehicle experience and aims to assist consumer purchase decisions while also making it easier for automotive players to understand changing consumer demands. With the automotive sector delivering experiences previously more familiar in consumer tech, the Experiences Per Mile Advisory Council has developed the ‘EPM Index’. Introducing the Excellence Awards & Rankings 2022.