During the recent Technology of Tomorrow Conference in Warsaw, we had the opportunity to talk to Hannes Vogelmann, Škoda Auto’s Product Manager for Growth and Monetisation. He shared with us insights on how the automotive industry is implementing blockchain technology for customer engagement, data transparency, and collaboration with third-party partners.
The automotive industry is constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance customer experiences, optimise operations, and unlock new avenues for growth. One individual at the forefront of this transformative journey is Hannes Vogelmann, the Product Manager at Škoda Auto responsible for growth and monetisation.
Vogelmann’s role revolves around exploring data monetisation and how it can benefit Škoda’s customers, including third-party partners. Furthermore, his team is delving into cutting-edge technologies like blockchain to redefine the business concepts associated with the brand. In our recent interview, Vogelmann shed light on how the automotive industry is utilising blockchain technology, outlining two distinct but interconnected pathways.
Engaging customers in the Metaverse and NFTs
The first path explored by the automotive industry involves engaging customers through platforms like the Metaverse and NFT collections. By creating awareness for NFTs and collectables linked to their brand, automotive companies can foster deeper connections with their customer base. This approach taps into the growing fascination with digital assets and collectables, offering a unique avenue for brand promotion and customer interaction.
Blockchain is a foundation for handling data securely and in a trusted manner
The second pathway involves the adoption of blockchain technology as a means to reap several benefits. Vogelmann explains that Škoda Auto and similar brands are looking at blockchain for its potential to enhance data transparency and trust. In an era where data privacy and security are paramount, blockchain technology can empower customers by providing full visibility into how their data is utilised. Vogelmann believes that this transparency will become a significant competitive advantage for automotive brands in the future.
However, he acknowledges that most blockchain use cases in the automotive industry involve a substantial volume of data. Depending on which blockchain car manufacturers choose to build their solutions, this can lead to concerns about transaction fees and operational costs.
In this context, it is important to mention that the BSV blockchain is the most scalable blockchain, which currently has a throughput of more than 10,000 on-chain transactions per second for $ 0.000003 per transaction. This makes it the most scalable, efficient and sustainable proof-of-work blockchain.
Nevertheless, Vogelmann mentions that transaction fees require fair agreements between stakeholders. Moreover, blockchain ecosystems must enable interactions among participants on an equal footing, moving away from the centralised approach traditionally associated with the automotive industry.
Efficiency through third-party integration
One of the primary goals for Škoda Auto is to integrate third-party partners seamlessly into its operations to enhance the customer experience. Vogelmann cites the example of insurance partnerships, where synergies between insurance providers and car manufacturers can streamline enrolment processes. This integration can lead to significant benefits for both customers and businesses, making the automotive industry more customer-centric and efficient.
Interestingly, Vogelmann notes that Central Europe, particularly Poland, is emerging as a hub for blockchain and web3 innovation. The region’s robust IT capabilities, coupled with a growing web3 scene, make it a hotspot for technological advancements. Alongside Lisbon, Central Europe’s innovation ecosystem is making waves in Europe, adding to the excitement surrounding the automotive industry’s blockchain endeavours.