What Is the Purpose of Having GPS in Cars?
What Advantages Does a GPS Tracker Provide When Installed in a Car?
In an era where data, safety, and smart technology dominate the automobile industry, a Car GPS Tracker is no longer a luxury—it’s becoming a necessity. While many cars now come equipped with built-in navigation systems, the role of a GPS tracker in cars extends far beyond just directions.
From security to fleet monitoring and from emergency assistance to fuel management, this blog explores the purpose and advantages of installing a GPS tracker in a car, supported with data, real-world applications, and industry insights.
What Is a GPS Tracker?
A Car GPS (Global Positioning System) Tracker is a device that uses satellite-based navigation to pinpoint the real-time location of a vehicle. It collects, stores, and transmits location data to a cloud server or mobile app.
Unlike standard navigation systems, GPS trackers are designed for monitoring, control, and reporting.
The Core Purpose of GPS in Cars
The main purposes of having a GPS in a car include:
-
Real-Time Location Tracking
-
Theft Prevention and Recovery
-
Route Optimization and Navigation
-
Driver Behavior Monitoring
-
Emergency Assistance
-
Vehicle Utilization and Efficiency
Data Insight: Market Penetration and Growth
According to a 2024 report by Counterpoint Research:
-
37% of personal vehicles in India are now equipped with some form of GPS tracking system.
-
The Indian GPS vehicle tracking market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2023 to 2028.
-
In the fleet and logistics sector, GPS tracking adoption has already crossed 78% penetration.
-
The average Car GPS tracker device price has dropped by 26% in the last 3 years, making it more accessible to the mass market.
Top 6 Advantages of Installing a Car GPS Tracker
1. Enhanced Vehicle Security
One of the most critical reasons for using a Car Tracker is to combat vehicle theft.
-
In India, over 1.7 lakh cars were reported stolen in 2023 (Source: NCRB).
-
Cars with active GPS tracking have a 73% higher chance of being recovered within 48 hours of theft.
- Some GPS devices send instant alerts if the ignition is turned on, the vehicle moves outside a set boundary (geo-fencing), or the tracker is tampered with.
2. Real-Time Monitoring & Geo-Fencing
GPS trackers allow owners to:
-
Track the exact location, speed, and direction of the vehicle.
-
Set geo-fencing alerts that notify if the vehicle enters or exits specific areas—ideal for parents, logistics companies, or business fleets.
-
Monitor parking time, route history, and stopovers via mobile apps.
3. Driver Behavior Monitoring
Modern RD GPS tracker devices collect data beyond location. They analyze:
-
Speeding incidents
-
Sudden acceleration or harsh braking
-
Engine idling
-
Night-time driving activity
These insights help reduce risk, especially for companies managing delivery or employee cars, and promote responsible driving.
4. Emergency Assistance & Roadside Support
Many GPS trackers have SOS or panic buttons. In case of accidents, breakdowns, or health emergencies:
-
GPS coordinates are instantly sent to emergency contacts or support teams.
-
In fleet systems, accident impact data can trigger automated help from call centers.
5. Fuel Management and Cost Efficiency
Some GPS systems integrate with OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) or engine data to monitor:
-
Fuel consumption patterns
-
Engine idle times
-
Route inefficiencies
According to a 2023 survey by Transport Digest, fleet operators using GPS with fuel monitoring reduced operational costs by up to 18% annually.
6. Travel History and Reports
Many GPS trackers provide:
-
Daily route summaries
-
Trip logs
-
Distance covered
-
Time spent at stops
These reports are useful for both private owners tracking teen drivers or chauffeurs, and for commercial use like delivery route audits.
Cost Factor: What Is the Car GPS Tracker Device Price in India?
Here’s a breakdown based on 2024 data from leading e-commerce and GPS service providers:
Basic GPS Tracker (Only Location): ₹1,200 – ₹2,500
Real-time Tracking with App: ₹2,000 – ₹4,500
GPS + OBD Monitoring: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
GPS with Audio Monitoring / SOS Feature: ₹4,000 – ₹8,500
GPS for Fleet Management (Per Unit): ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Subscription (Data Plan / App Access): ₹500 – ₹1,200 per year
Note: The final “Car GPS tracker price” also depends on installation, service plans, brand, and integration with mobile apps.
Data-Driven Comparison: GPS Tracker vs No Tracker
Who Should Install a Car GPS Tracker?
While any car owner can benefit, the following users find them particularly helpful:
-
Parents of young or teen drivers
-
Fleet operators and logistics companies
-
Rental car services
-
Chauffeur-driven vehicle owners
-
Security-conscious individuals
-
People in high-theft areas or Tier-1 cities
Legal & Privacy Considerations
In India, GPS trackers are legal for personal and commercial use as long as:
-
The device is installed in a vehicle owned or authorized for tracking.
-
Consent is taken for tracking a third-party user (like an employee or chauffeur).
-
Recorded data is not misused or shared without permission.
Fleet operators must comply with AIS 140 compliance norms, especially in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi.
Future of Car GPS in India
The future is moving toward integrated telematics, where GPS will merge with:
-
Insurance (Usage-Based Insurance or UBI)
-
Predictive Maintenance
-
AI-based route optimization
-
Voice-activated tracking and commands
By 2028, nearly 85% of all new cars in India are expected to have built-in GPS capabilities, either via OEM systems or aftermarket trackers.
Conclusion
The use of a Car GPS tracker goes far beyond maps and directions. Whether for safety, efficiency, or control, it provides unmatched utility for private and commercial vehicle owners alike. With falling device prices, robust feature sets, and smartphone integration, installing a GPS tracker in your car is one of the smartest moves in today’s data-driven world.
As urban mobility evolves and vehicles become more connected, the GPS tracker stands at the intersection of technology, security, and intelligence, transforming the way we drive and manage cars.
