Opportunity at the Convergence of Industries
Some convergent categories of consideration include:
Physical devices digitally connected to vehicles
New membership of unique urban and rural destinations
Adaptable outdoor experience and adventure services brought-in, beamed-in and built-in to vehicle systems
New services that span physical gear and digitally enhanced experiences
New flexible, modular and portable product systems – working across Home, SUV, Boat, Campground and elsewhere
Physical devices (accessories) used in, on or around vehicles
The vehicle as a tool, enabler, hub or additional component in the outdoor experience
Outdoor systems built around vehicles
Wearable enhancement and integration
New features and enablers (derived of automotive tech) applied to outdoor gear and systems and vice-versa
Aggregate research, data analysis and forecasting
If you would like to discuss your current products or portfolio and consider “what comes next”, then I welcome that conversation.
Industries constantly converge and then invent something new in order to thrive - and much opportunity exists at the intersection of vehicles, outdoor technology and gear and the future of travel. It is an opportunity to create new things and satisfy human needs in ways yet to be realized. What is emerging are new products, services and systems that are enabling new forms of commerce, community and consumer experience.
We are seeing the continued growth, democratization and profitability of the on-demand vehicle and gear markets. Retailers are enabling experience-based channels and expanding their location-based services.
And well-funded startups are providing new platforms that make it easy for land owners to convert their properties into desired destinations and attract a whole new market of outdoor adventurers.
Imagine arriving somewhere new, but feeling as if it is familiar and safe based on online research, comfortable accommodations and connected technologies with you and on site. These are just a few emerging and maturing models at the core of these industries.
The outdoor mobility industry has always provided the opportunity for spontaneity - previously via ownership of a trailer or RV, but now in the realms of car, SUV and van camping. And as individuals we want to be ready and prepared (with our clothes, our gear and our vehicle) to hit the open road just in-case we get that itch or that call from someone that needs your support and/or assistance. As these flexible infrastructures mature, many will find greater personal fulfillment and meaning in 1) being ready to help those in need, 2) being able to learn a new skill or teach another, and 3) contribute in a positive way to your community.
The rugged and ready outdoor aesthetic has also become a most desirable “look” in today’s products. We are willing to pay more for products that at-a-glance look like they will get the job done - over and over again. They may show some wear and tear over time, but they will remain true to their task. And the companies that manufacture these products are now offering 25 or 50 year or lifetime replacement warranties. They reinforce a message of doing and refurbishing - not replacing. And soon, these same products will include the option to be connected and to be part of a larger connected outdoor system.
In the outdoors, we strive to convey a persona of being ready, capable, adventurous and fun. When we are doing things outside in the woods, parks, mountains and beaches, then we are also being rejuvenated and increasing our general well-being.
Motourly is built upon the idea that when the rugged and elegant built-to-last outdoor products and services connect directly with different vehicle types, then new adventures and empowering capabilities will result.
The automotive and mobility space is currently turbulent, experimental and uncertain as vehicles are designed for flexible use, drive themselves, serve as meeting rooms, bedrooms and warehouses and soon leave the ground. The utility of SUVs, pick-up trucks, commercial vans and pilot autonomous vehicles (AVs) will continue to expand into smart multi-function systems of which outdoor movement, experience and adventure will be a critical ingredient.
Along with our forward-thinking clients and partners, we design, test and improve useful and innovative features, services and experiences that emerge from the mashup of (physical) sensors, sustainable materials, cameras, durability and rugged construction - as well as (digital) connected networks, on-demand access, personalization, portability and more.
We can now equip our bicycles with blind spot monitoring or enable our boats to park themselves. Connected systems are also quickly coming to markets like ski-boots that track your performance or golf shoes that evaluate your swing - and then offer dynamic real-time technique recommendations via audio.
Those are a few early stage systems that exist today and we will continue to develop products, services and systems that enhance performance, safety and confidence on the road and in the outdoors.
Examining the trends that spark opportunity