Article

Mobile Monday: Hyundai Equus app

The app sets the bar high for all retailers, not just auto dealers.

March 27, 2011

Mobile Mondays is a weekly column on mobile apps by retail customer experience expert Mike Wittenstein. Each week, you’ll get a test drive of a leading retail app including pictures of key features and commentary on what works—and what doesn’t.

This week, we review the Hyundai Equus app. It sets two new bars: one for auto retailers and another for all retailers. This app truly represents the shape of things to come.

In the glovebox of every new Hyundai Equus, you'll find an electronic owner's manual on a free Apple iPad. Hyundai and their agency have done a spectacular job of helping the vehicle's most important features come to life through animations, simulations, interactive demonstrations, and live video.

The app encourages exploration of the car's features and elegantly balances tech specs with aesthetics and creature comforts with handling and performance. Hyundai has raised the bar for auto manufacturers with its new four passenger flagship vehicle. This app also gives retailers in all segments a glimpse of their own futures--where the line between product and experience vanishes.

Check out the video below to see this app in action.

To get your own Equus for around $60,000, visit http://www.hyundaiusa.com/equus. To get the app for free, visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hyundai-equus-ipad-owner-experience/id406181210?mt=8

What's Good

• The interface is best in class
• No instructions are required to operate the app perfectly
• Cut-away views, simulations, animations, full-motion video
• It's so well designed, I feel like I'm driving

What's Not So Good

• The app crashed several times

What I Would Do

• Add some engine sounds
• Tie in early adopters' comments through social media
• Show off the engine and powertrain with a fly-through animation
• Give users the option to turn on the lights, fog lights, brake lights, and turn indicators