The research funding identified within the consultation is expected to support the development of new services for connected vehicles in Europe by 2025. The EC says that it expects that vehicles will become an active part of the Internet ‘cloud’ over the next 15 years. “This will make it possible for vehicles to have access to additional services, for them to use current services differently and for vehicles to collect information which will then be used in providing services.”

There has been a great deal of hype over the last years surrounding the shift towards cloud-based computing, both outside and inside of the car. The term is being used to describe the shift away from storing content on devices, and instead relying on off-board servers that can be accessed from anywhere and at any time. This is already happening widely outside of the car, with consumers increasingly storing their photos, music, documents and videos online. However, there remains a great deal of uncertainty about how to replicate this online content experience in the car, and precisely what role vehicle manufacturers and tier-one suppliers should play within the cloud-based value chain.

The EC says that it wants to find out views on the types of connected car services that will be important, stakeholder requirements for new services and the challenges and issues that will be involved in implementing and using them.

The consultation is being coordinated by TNO and TRL. The EC is encouraging participation from transport-related organisations including vehicle manufacturers, equipment suppliers, road operators, fleet managers, freight companies and national and local governments.

To participate in the consultation visit http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/v.asp?i=33138bwvaq&m=1158386zsrcm 

As players such as Apple, Google and Amazon become more dominant within cloud computing, automotive companies needs to determine how they will add value to the cloud-based car. SBD’s Connected Car research within its 2011 report subscription service will include analysis of the concept of integrating the vehicle within cloud computing.

SBD will analyse the strategic and technical challenges of integrating the car with the cloud, highlight the opportunities that vehicle manufacturers and tier-one suppliers can gain from supporting cloud-based services. Additionally, SBD will provide automotive companies with recommendations for how they can position themselves within the cloud value chain, and who the key partners are likely to be in the future.

To receive more information about SBD’s list of planned reports for SBD’s 2011 Connected Car Research Package, email jappleby@sbd.co.uk