AT&T Drive Studio and Ericsson Release Global Study on Connected Car Buyers

DALLAS, Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The AT&T* Drive Studio and Ericsson released data from a new study documenting the significant influence that connected car features and services are expected to have on customers' vehicle purchase decisions in the future. The data was sourced from customers likely to purchase a car in the next five years in the United States, Germany, Brazil, Japan and China and the survey was conducted by Ipsos in July and August 2014.

Arun Bhikshesvaran, CMO, Ericsson, says, "What we are seeing in this data is a clear signal that connected car features and services are becoming an important factor in a consumer's purchase decision.  The study shows that a transformation is occurring on a global scale, to a world where consumers expect connected car services across all markets and models.

"The research shows that we are just now entering a new era of connected car innovation that will integrate all aspects of a person's life, which is why Ericsson is working with the AT&T Drive Studio to provide our award winning, cloud-based connected car solution and our international presence to implement connected car services globally."

Among the findings:

• Half of all drivers surveyed worldwide would switch brands to a comparable brand to get connected car services.
• Seventy-two percent of drivers would delay a car purchase by one year to buy a car with connected car services from their preferred brand.
• Almost two-thirds of drivers surveyed after learning about connected car services consider them an important feature in their next car.
• Sixty-seven percent of U.S. drivers indicated they would probably or definitely buy connectivity or Wi-Fi service if available in their car.

Customers' awareness of connected car services is high with six features scoring 50 percent or higher.

• Roadside Assistance (74%)
• Navigation and Real-time Traffic (72%)
• Remote Start (71%) Streaming Music (70%)
• Usage-based Insurance Tracking (52%)
• Wi-Fi Hotspot (50%)

"The race is on for automakers to compete for customers globally through connected car solutions," said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Emerging Devices, AT&T Mobility.  "The AT&T Drive platform, with collaboration from Ericsson and a host of other players in the ecosystem, is the most robust set of solutions at automakers' disposal today."

Ericsson is a key contributor to the AT&T Drive platform, providing a cloud-based platform on which automakers can choose to run their entire, customized connected car experience.  The full research report is available to automakers through the AT&T Drive Studio.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Ericsson

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society – a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, businesses and societies to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Our services, software and infrastructure – especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud – are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.

With more than 110,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world's mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions – and our customers – stay in front.

Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2013 were SEK 227.4 billion (USD 34.9 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.

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About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide based on offering roaming in more countries than any other U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse^® brand. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.