HELPING CUSTOMERS: Lexus is offering training sessions to walk through the key features of a vehicle to help avoid confusion and frustration from drivers unable to adapt to the new systems. - Relaxnews
THE growth of technology in today's vehicles means that sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to go for help. You can't go to an electronics shop, because it's in your car. You can't go to the mechanic, because they might not be clued up about the high-tech gadgetry inside either - so what's a 21st century driver to do?
It's a problem which luxury auto-maker Lexus has been working on, reportedly hitting upon the answer with the help of the world's hottest technology brand right now, Apple.
According to Forbes, the Toyota-owned luxury name is planning to set up the automotive equivalent of "Genius Bars" in its US showrooms, to assist consumers with understanding the technology inside their new cars.
Trained at a specialist college in everything from telematics to electronic mirror settings, the cadre of employees will be on hand to answer questions from confused customers on exactly how their new high-tech cars work.
Just like Apple, Lexus will also offer training sessions to walk through the key features of a vehicle, Forbes reports, to help avoid confusion and frustration from drivers unable to adapt to the new systems.
It's an idea which is likely to quickly gain currency among automakers as in-car computers become more sophisticated or commonplace, although it's hardly the first time auto brands have expressed a desire to emulate Apple when it comes to the sales experience.
Lincoln, currently trying to rebrand itself to a younger, cooler audience is said to be adopting "concierges" trained by hoteliers, but with an eye on offering a friendly and professional "Apple-style" service.
Tesla, the electric vehicle upstart founded by Silicon Valley legend Elon Musk, went one step further in its desire to reinvent the car-buying experience, hiring Apple Retail executive George Blankenship to redesign its flagship stores with the mantra "surprise, entice, inform." - Relaxnews 2012