Cellular telephones already offer many functions, and control of automobiles will be increasingly added to that list. According to a report by market research firm iSuppli, worldwide shipments of cars equipped with systems capable of remote control via a cellular telephone or other device are set to rise to 20.7 million units in 2016, up from 85,000 units in 2010. In 2016, more than a quarter of all cars sold worldwide will support some type of remote operation.
According to Egil Juliussen, Principal Analyst and Fellow for iSuppli's Automotive Practice, "The market for remote operation of car features is set to grow rapidly in the coming years." Remote car operation features supported by these systems include door locks, lights, air-conditioning and heater control, with electric vehicles using the remote control for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems control.