Connectivity

Frank Weber believes innovation is created in the spaces in between, i.e., through interaction.

Kristin Dziczek sees the higher number of chips per vehicle, reliance on mature technology, uncertainty regarding automakers’ long-term needs and the mismatch between product lifecycles as the main reasons for the ongoing automotive chip shortage.

Continental’s Scenic View head-up display gives the HUD concept a new look. Even though it appears futuristic, it will go into production during Q1 2023. 

While several automakers are announcing new infotainment systems based on the Android Automotive OS, Stellantis is seeking alternatives to AAOS, already running on FCA’s Uconnect 5 system, by investing in an in-house, Tesla-like Linux-based infotainment software.

Why the solar-assisted EV from Sono Motors, connected by Sibros, might be the right car at the right time.

Of all the future concepts we’ve reviewed, the Mercedes F 015 Luxury in Motion concept car predicts 2030 technologies most accurately. For instance, it has a pillar-to-pillar display that bears a striking resemblance to a screen that interior supplier Continental says will go into production as early as 2024 (Continental won’t identify the customer).

Some automakers are still trying to do it all, the software specialist says, but many OEMs are coming to the realization they need to rely on key development partners for help in making the software-defined vehicle a reality.

Connectivity technology underpins the future of the automotive industry. The evolution in vehicle architectures and the move to software defined vehicles depend on connectivity to ensure they are cyber secure and up to date. The rapid evolution of BEVs means the traditional vehicle business model of profit on initial sales is being replaced by lifetime earnings that rely on over the air (OTA) upgrades to enhance the vehicle value to consumers. In this scenario has connectivity become mission critical not only from a vehicle safety perspective but for the OEMs own enterprise viability?

Connectivity technology continuously advances, but what will it be used for and who is influencing its direction and adoption in automotive?

This session will share some preliminary survey results that address these fundamental questions.

The new leather substitutes include MIRUM which is 100% bio-based and petroleum-free and has the potential to mimic all the properties of traditional leather. Another new material, Deserttex, is made from pulverized cactus fibers with a biobased polyurethane matrix. With these materials, replacing raw materials of animal origin can be combined with a significant reduction in CO2 the automaker says.

Despite some OEMs totally removing or promising to eliminate leather from cockpits in the future – especially in battery-electric vehicles – Wards Intelligence research predicts most automakers – with some notable exceptions – will end up hedging their bets and will offer a variety of leather and non-leather options to accommodate all buyer demographics for the foreseeable future.

How Commsignia could be poised to take advantage of new Government initiatives.

Automotive just-in-time sourcing strategy at odds with how semiconductor industry works, Roland Berger analyst says.