In today’s fiercely competitive automotive landscape, brand loyalty isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
For car manufacturers navigating a rapidly changing markets like Australia and New Zealand, where the electric vehicle (EV) adoption is reshaping consumer expectations and more recently, Australia’s 2025 overall car sales remain solid after monthly highs, building lasting customer relationships is more important than ever.
To stay ahead and succeed, car brands must do more than attract new buyers—they must earn trust and keep it. In this shifting environment, trust, care, safety, and innovation are emerging as key drivers of loyalty.
Brand loyalty is under pressure
According to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study, half of Australian consumers are considering switching brands when purchasing their next vehicle. In a market where loyalty is no longer guaranteed, manufacturers must work harder to earn and keep, customer trust. For automotive manufacturers, this means having a competitive edge is more critical than ever.
Australians want safer cars
Australians are prioritising road safety like never before.
We surveyed 500 people and discovered:
- one-in-five Australians consider automatic crash detection (ACN) and in-vehicle SOS emergency button (eCall) are must-haves for their next car.
- 78% of respondents expressed strong support for Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) technology.
These results highlight a clear shift in consumer expectations towards smarter, safer vehicles.
There is a growing appetite for smarter car technology innovations that not only protect lives but also build lasting trust between drivers and their vehicles.
How eCall technology builds automotive brand loyalty
Connected car safety technology, like eCall offer car manufacturers five key benefits that contribute to building brand loyalty:
- Enhanced peace of mind and trust
eCall gives drivers confidence. Knowing their car is equipped with advanced emergency response technology builds trust and deepens brand connection. In critical moments, real-time human assistance, responsibly accessed vehicle and incident data supports a faster, more informed emergency response, reinforcing peace of mind and long-term loyalty. - Customer insights for personalisation
Third-party eCall provides manufacturers with valuable behavioural insights. By analysing data from eCall events – such as types of incidents reported – automotive brands can better understand their customers’ needs. This data-driven approach supports tailor offerings, improved product features, enhanced customer service and more effective post sale engagement. - Post-purchase value or upselling opportunities
Post-purchase engagement is often limited—but eCall opens the door to ongoing value. Connected car features like stolen vehicle tracking, real-time traffic updates, and predictive maintenance alerts help keep customers engaged well beyond the initial sale.
Many of these services can be seamlessly embedded into Intelematics’ connected vehicle platform, making implementation more efficient and cost-effective. By choosing the right eCall partner, they can also advise on additional connected services that elevate the customer experience and drive long-term loyalty. - Promoting brand loyalty through community support and marketing
Promoting the benefits of eCall technology through real stories and safety campaigns strengthen brand image and community trust. Positive and authentic storytelling can not only build a positive brand image but also reinforce the message that the brand genuinely cares about driver wellbeing. - Safety drives sustainability
eCall shows a commitment to ethical innovation and safety. In the fleet and commercial sectors, where safety metrics are increasingly tied to ESG reporting and procurement decisions, eCall can be a powerful differentiator. By supporting proactive risk management and transparent operations, it helps manufacturers meet rising expectations for sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Lead with purpose
Vehicle safety is no longer a checkbox – it’s now becoming a core part of a brand statement. For car manufacturers, integrating eCall technology signals a deeper commitment to customer wellbeing, ethical innovation, and long-term value.
Implementing the right eCall safety services into a vehicle, car manufacturers show they care just as much as about the vehicle performance as they care about people.
This approach resonates strongly with today’s buyers, especially in Australia and New Zealand market, where the road death toll is increasing, safety expectations are rising, and brand loyalty is fragile.
eCall technology helps manufacturers lead with purpose, meet customer expectations, and stay ahead in a changing market.
Want to learn more
To explore these insights in more detail, download our latest whitepaper:
“Your cars. Their trust: How eCall delivers safer vehicles and loyal customers.”
It’s packed with data, industry perspectives, and practical strategies to help manufacturers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
Ready to talk?
Reach out to Jules Snow to start the conversation how Intelematics can support your brand with connected safety solutions:
M: +61 3 8415 9000
