Originally developed for delivery over DAB digital radio, Audi is using the TPEG protocol to provide traffic information to the car via mobile Internet through its Audi Connect online services. The service is expected to be offered by Audi in Germany first in mid-2011 with other European countries to follow at later stages.

Terminal Mode consortium plans certification process

The Terminal Mode smartphone in-car integration initiative led by Nokia and the CE4A group has announced details of a certification process aimed at ensuring that hand-held devices such as smartphones, In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) head units and applications can work together.

Navigation strategies for Brazil, India and Russia

Of thethree emerging markets analysed in SBD’s latest research on developing navigation strategies, only Russia shows mature consumer demand for navigation and traffic information services. Meanwhile, demand for navigation in Brazil is expected to grow quickly over the coming years. And demand for navigation in India remains stubbornly low despite a huge population and a large number of suppliers.

US Department of Transport to mandate reversing protection

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed a safety regulation aimed at reducing reversing accidents that often involve children and the elderly. Drivers of passenger cars and pickups will be required to be able to see directly behind the vehicle.

Join SBD at the GSMA Mobile World Congress

Join SBD at this year’s Mobile World Congress being held in Barcelona, Spain on 14-17 February 2011. One of SBD’s specialists, Abhishek Visveswaran will be presenting a keynote speech about connectivity in the automotive industry alongside some of the world’s most innovative companies including Google, Microsoft, and Twitter as well as cutting edge App Developer Conferences by MacWorld Mobile, RIM and Samsung.

Additional items in this newsletter include:

• Embedded vs. Bluetooth - Evaluating the connectivity options for telematics
• Survey of consumer attitudes towards OVI Maps and Terminal Mode
• Russia's plans for GLONASS delayed by failed satellite launch
• Volvo demos vehicle platooning at Swedish test site
• Chinese consumer attitudes towards phone and in-car apps

Telematics Newsletter January 2011.pdf (1.17 mb)