Telematics - optimism has faded.

The auto industry's hopes for huge profits from telematics are receding fast.

Executives participating in the Automotive News Europe Telematics Conference, held on April 22 and 23 in Stuttgart, say that the potential of in-car communications is still unrealized.

They are still searching for the so-called killer applications that will attract customers. And they are also wondering if telecommunications companies will ultimately control telematics in cars.

Meanwhile, executives can't agree whether their products should focus on getting information into the car (such as ...