Volkswagen and LG agree on joint development of next-gen connected car platform
06 July 2016
The Volkswagen Group and LG Electronics have signed a memorandum of understanding on joint research and development of a next-generation connected car service platform.
Going forward, the two companies will work together on Volkswagen’s Cross Over Platform, which is aimed at enhanced vehicle connectivity and convenience. Using cloud technology, it will offer drivers seamless digital access to extensive features such as smart home and location-based services. Over the coming years, the two companies will be concentrating on:
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Developing technologies that bring together the connected car and the smart home so that drivers are able to control and monitor smart devices in their homes such as lights, security systems and domestic appliances from the road.
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Developing a context-sensitive notification center that can deliver messages in an intuitive and safe manner and provide optimized recommendations to the driver in real time.
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Developing next-generation infotainment technology for connected cars.
Key LG Electronics executives present at the signing at Volkswagen Group headquarters included Richard Choi, Head of LG Cloud Center, and Lee Sang-yong, Head of LG Vehicle Infotainment System Research Lab. Representing Volkswagen were Prof. Thomas Form, Head of Electronics and Vehicle Research, and Robert Kattner, Head of Vehicle Information Systems, both of the Group Research Division.
LG and Volkswagen have a long-standing relationship. LG was one of the first electronics companies to commit itself to the automotive industry. It has been supplying audio-visual products for vehicles since 2007, establishing a reputation for reliability and technological innovation.
In March in 2015, Volkswagen subsidiary Italdesign Guigiaro (earlier post) unveiled its GEA concept car at the Geneva Motor Show with seven key components supplied by LG Electronics, including the holographic display, connected smart watch, tail lights and rear camera.
In July, LG was selected as Volkswagen’s strategic electronics supplier and also listed as a partner company on its FAST (Future Automotive Supply Tracks) program. At CES earlier this year, the two companies showcased a smart home system that could be controlled remotely from the vehicle.
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