Applications
Chinese Telematics and Infotainment Market set for high growth in five years
MUMBAI: Although at a nascent stage, the Chinese telematics and infotainment markets is likely to witness considerable growth and development over the forecast period. Factors expected to contribute to this include the continued growth in demand as well as production of passenger cars, increasing disposable incomes, growing acknowledgement of the benefits of telematics and infotainment, as well as the upcoming Olympic Games in 2008 and the 2010 World Trade Exhibition. Additionally, newer telelematics and infotainment systems are becoming more affordable and many car companies are also planning to incorporate navigation system as a standard offering, thus boosting their overall uptake.New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, the Strategic Analysis of the Chinese Telematics and Infotainment Markets reveals that revenues in this market totaled 422.3 million in 2005 and can reach 3896.9 million in 2012.‘Among the market segments, the Chinese productivity market, the roadside assistance market, and the rear seat entertainment market are yet in their introductory stages,‘ notes Frost & Sullivan research analyst Angielina Tay. ‘In comparison, the navigation market is in its growth stage and holds significant promise, especially considering China‘s high vehicle occupancy rate, ‘maintains Tay. |
The Chinese vehicle occupancy rate was greater than three million in 2005 and this ensures huge potential for navigation systems (both the portable and personal navigation device). Navigation is likely to become a daily requirement for people, regardless of whether they are driving or not, because a navigation system does not just simply help them to get from point A to B, but also provides them with other value-added services, such as providing points of interest (POI). This driver is likely to have a high impact on the market throughout the forecast period.Notwithstanding the promise, Chinese consumers still lack sufficient knowledge of telematics and infotainment system functions. Besides, there are too many varieties available for the consumers at present, and this coupled with unpleasant experiences such as low-quality products and lack of after sales service are likely to hurt customer confidence in this developing market. ‘The non-availability of all functions in a single system is an added barrier to penetration, much like the current high prices of telematics and infotainment systems,‘ says Tay. ‘For example, the average price for an original equipment (OE) navigation system was about $1,463.4 in 2005 which is relatively high compared to the North American and Japanese markets.‘ |
| Given these challenges, distributors and manufacturers need to work together on campaigns to raise awareness and promote the use of telematics and infotainment systems. Moreover, to make these systems more affordable, vehicle manufacturers should explore methods of lowering product costs, such as sourcing from local suppliers instead of importing parts. |
Applications
With 57 per cent single new users, Ashley Madison rebrands as discreet dating platform
Platform says majority of new members now identify as single
INDIA: Ashley Madison is shedding the “married-dating” label that defined it for two decades, repositioning itself as a platform for discreet dating in what it calls the post-social media age.
The rebrand, unveiled in India on 27 February, 2026, marks a structural shift in business model and identity. Once synonymous with married dating, the company now describes itself as the “premier destination for discreet dating” under a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.
The pivot is data-driven. Internal figures show that 57 per cent of global sign-ups between 1 January and 31 December, 2025 identified as single: a notable departure from the platform’s married core. The company argues that its community has already evolved beyond its original positioning.
“In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury,” said Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable. He framed the platform’s offering as “ethical discretion” for singles, separated, divorced and non-monogamous users seeking private connections.
The shift also taps into wider digital fatigue. A global survey conducted by YouGov for Ashley Madison, covering 13,071 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US, found mounting discomfort with hyper-public online lives.
Among dating app users, 30 per cent cited constant swiping and messaging as a source of fatigue, while 24 per cent pointed to pressure to curate public-facing profiles and early personal disclosure. Some 27 per cent said fears of screenshots or information being shared contributed to exhaustion; an equal share cited unwanted attention.
The retreat from oversharing appears broader. According to the survey, 46 per cent of adults actively try to keep most aspects of their life private online. Only 8 per cent feel comfortable sharing most aspects publicly, while 35 per cent say they are becoming more selective about what they disclose.
Ashley Madison is betting that this cultural recalibration towards controlled visibility can be monetised. By doubling down on privacy infrastructure and reframing itself around discretion rather than infidelity, the company is attempting to convert reputational baggage into a premium proposition.
