By Stephen Longden, SBD ITS and Telematics Specialist Licenses for the operation of telematics services The Chinese government keeps close control of the emerging OE telematics industry through a complex network of licensing requirements. These licenses are operated by the Ministry of Indu... [More]

Items in this month's newsletter include: Developments in Europe VW demonstrates Terminal Mode in-car apps solution Euro NCAP adds advanced driver assistance systems Approval of ITS Directive by the European Parliment Developments in... [More]

The more things change, the more things stay the same. The EC’s long and slow march towards pan-European eCall took another important step forward recently. But as always, hurdles and uncertainties remain, making it hard for the automotive industry to distinguish fact from fiction. The ITS Directive ~ Progress but just as much confusion as ever. [More]

The recent approval of the ITS Directive by the European Parliament has received widespread coverage within the telematics industry, but there remains a great deal of confusion about what it actually means. Contrary to various claims, the approval of the ITS Directive does not mean that eCall ha... [More]

After many years of slow growth within the telematics industry, vehicle manufacturers are beginning to accelerate the launch of new services in order to meet consumer expectations for a connected in-car experience. Over 130 services are now offered by 22 brands in Europe and the USA. Many more serv... [More]

Free smartphone navigation software and its impact on PND suppliers and vehicle manufacturers SBD has released a new report based on consumer attitudes, sales forecasts and trusted market analysis on Evaluating the impact of free navigation. It contains practical advice for vehicle manufacturers... [More]

Consumer opinion on Chinese telematics available from SBD As OE telematics become a reality in China, it is increasingly important to understand the response of Chinese consumers to these new systems. A new end-user survey on the views and opinions of Toyota’s G-Book service in China i... [More]

Vehicle manufacturers will have to act quickly to develop telematics strategies in response to the European Commission’s decision at the end of last week to mandate eCall in newly Type-Approved cars from late 2013, says David McClure, director of ITS and Telematics at global consultancy SBD. ... [More]

eCall regulation will impact every vehicle manufacturer, and those with little or no experience of European telematics are most at risk. Understanding the technical and market implications of eCall regulation will result in a successful transition towards the connected car and secure your competit... [More]

Take advantage of SBD’s experience in developing global telematics strategies with a special workshop recorded recently at Telematics Japan conference focussing on the competitive situation, market challenges and legislation affecting the deployment of telematics services in Europe, Russia a... [More]