What is ADAS?

ACV facts & figures

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Nowadays, car buyers expect advanced features to come standard. This is where Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) — a suite of smart technologies — come in. For dealerships, this system represents a challenge and a massive opportunity.

At its core, ADAS technology is about safety, combining cameras, sensors, and radar to monitor a vehicle’s surroundings and aid drivers when needed. Some of these features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and parking assistance — all designed to work together to reduce or prevent accidents.

Now, there are plenty of cars on the road these days with similar features, but the ADAS system is particularly sought after due to its reputation. Studies have shown that vehicles equipped with these systems experience fewer accidents and insurance claims.

In fact, ADAS systems in cars can reduce the risk of a crash by 50%, making them attractive to both buyers and insurers¹. These are significant safety improvements that customers can understand and appreciate.

How Car Buyers View ADAS Technology

Today’s buyers research ADAS features before they even step onto your lot, which is a good thing, because they’re often willing to pay more for vehicles that include comprehensive safety packages.

This sentiment spans all age groups. Younger drivers don’t view these systems as “advanced.” To them, it’s just standard equipment, like having a glove compartment. They expect to have these features, so it’s all part of the price to them.

Meanwhile, parents are going to prioritize vehicles with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, whether they have little kids or teenagers who have just started driving. To them, ADAS isn’t a feature; it’s a necessity.

You also can’t discount older drivers, who will appreciate having access to features that were once only available on luxury vehicles. But for them, it isn’t just about the novelty. These features can help elderly drivers compensate for their slower reaction times and reduced night vision, providing peace of mind while driving and, in turn, making the experience safer for everyone.

ADAS has business applications as well. Fleet managers want these systems installed in their vehicles to reduce their insurance costs and liability. As a result, dealerships are in a strong position to differentiate their inventory from the competition’s and justify higher price points for ADAS-equipped units.

Of course, the key is education. Many customers know they want advanced safety features but don’t know the terminology, how they work, or why they matter.

Bridging this gap is a big deal. It sets your salespeople up as advisors, helping customers build trust in your dealership. Additionally, this provides your staff with the opportunity to explain the value of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems.

When customers understand that ADAS safety systems can prevent a collision that would cost thousands in repairs and insurance rate increases, they’re less likely to see it as an expense. Instead, they’ll see it as an investment.

To drive home the point, set up a test drive where your salespeople can demonstrate the comprehensive safety protocols. After all, showing is always better than telling, and once customers experience the lane assist features and how smoothly the cruise control engages, the value of ADAS-equipped vehicles becomes that much more real.

The Potential Impact of Stocking ADAS-Equipped Cars

Your Investment

We have to be honest, this is going to be a transition. You probably already figured out why: Advanced tech means that ongoing servicing will demand a higher level of expertise and equipment. In many situations, even common repairs require a few extra steps on ADAS-equipped cars.

For example, let’s say a car needs a simple windshield replacement. Well, ADAS-equipped cars sometimes require camera recalibration to allow lane assist and forward-collision warnings to work correctly. If the car has lane-centering technology and the wheels need to be aligned, staff must perform additional calibrations to make sure everything is in proper working order.

Your Payoff

The upfront investment in ADAS equipment and training pays off quickly. Having the specialized expertise, tools, and materials can help set your dealership apart from the competition — meaning, customers might turn to your dealership over others for repairs.

Additionally, the ADAS components are exactly as advertised: They’re advanced. You have 360-degree cameras, radar sensors, telematics control units, ADAS wiring harnesses, and a whole host of other parts that cost hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of dollars to repair.

In some instances, the components need to be replaced with genuine OEM parts or repaired to OEM standards² to work correctly and maintain warranty coverage. When you consider the combination of premium labor rates, high-value parts sales, and the customer loyalty that comes from being the only shop in town with proper ADAS capabilities, the initial investment becomes one of the smartest moves a dealership can make.

It’s Time to Corner the Used Car Market

If you are looking to source more used cars with ADAS technology for your dealership, consider sourcing them with ACV Auctions. We are an online auction exclusively for car dealers. Our condition reports detail which Premium Packages each vehicle includes, so you know what ADAS features are available, from automatic emergency braking to lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Sign up with ACV Auctions today.

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