The SBD Connected Car team is heading to Frankfurt for the IAA motor show in two weeks. Highlights for the telematics industry are set to include the Volkswagen maps + more system in the new Up! city car and the BMW i3 and i8 concepts as well as other advances from the likes of Fiat and Mercedes Benz.
The VW maps + more Portable Information Device (PID) was developed with Navigon. The mobile unit is used to control navigation, telephone and infotainment and Apps developed specially for the Up! will allow users to access additional functions.This might be an ideal chance for you to meet and discuss your automotive challenges with SBD experts. Four of SBD’s expert analysts and our European business development manager, will be attending the IAA press days on the 13th and 14th of September. Book a meeting with us at Frankfurt by mailing Alessio at ABallatore@sbd.co.uk or phone +44 1908 305104.
The new BMW i sub-brand is planning to include telematics and infotainment in its i3 and i8 models due to be launched in 2013 and 2014. These models are expected to feature in-car systems that provide information on the location of charging stations and battery range. A smartphone app will allow the driver to schedule charging, monitor the battery condition and remotely operate the car climate control. The i3 and i8 will also be fitted with a range of ConnectedDrive active safety systems.
Fiat is preparing to launch a new smartphone app called eco:Drive Mobile at Frankfurt. The app sends data on vehicle driving performance to drivers via their mobile phones and allows them to share ecodriving tips via social networks. Inside the Safe Car field of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) the VW Up! will show the optional City Emergency Braking system that uses laser sensors to brake the car if an obstacle is detected ahead. The system operates at speeds under 30 km/h. This system demonstrates the continuing trend of migration of ADAS from the luxury segment to mass market and city models identified in SBD’s recent report Kickstarting the mass market for ADAS.
The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is expected to be launched at Frankfurt equipped with a range of ADAS systems including driver attention monitoring and assistance as standard and optional collision prevention braking, blind spot assist, lane keeping, speed limit sign recognition, active parking assist and Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control. In terms of telematics, the new B-Class will be shown with the Comand multimedia system with Internet access. Drivers can surf the Web while the car is stationary or access a limited Mercedes-Benz service while driving. The restricted service allows the driver to download a route from Google Maps that has been previously configured on a PC.
To learn more about Kickstarting the mass market for ADAS or to buy the report contact Alessio on ABallatore@sbd.co.uk