Volkswagen have chosen a dance partner in LG Electronics to develop the next-generation of connected car platforms, making future vehicles safer, more intelligent, and more convenient for the needs to motorists, passengers, and owners.
Both companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch of a joint research and technology sharing initiative that will use computing power in the cloud to offer drivers more seamless access to smart features in the vehicle as well as to interact with other connected properties such as a connected home or other location-based services.
Drives will be able to monitor their homes and connected devices through an interface within their cars, controlling things such as appliances or security systems remotely.
VW will also likely want to leverage LG’s communications expertise as well, spreading the use of messaging solutions within the brands under the Group such as Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Seat, Skoda, or Lamborghini.
Other possible outcome would be for Volkswagen and LG to develop a special version of their webOS platform to run on their next-generation vehicle infotainment systems. Currently, operating system sees is most prevalent in LG’s smart TV products.
Prof. Thomas Form, Head of Electronics and Vehicle Research at Volkswagen, said: "Volkswagen is pressing on with the digitalisation of its brands. Our focus in doing so is always on our customers. For them, comfort, safety and energy efficiency play a central role. LG is a strong, reliable partner in the implementation of new features and one of the drivers of innovation in the networked household. We look forward to working with LG and to developing in future simple, easy-to-use smart home solutions for our customers integrated into our vehicle systems.”
Richard Choi, Head of LG Cloud Center: "LG Electronics and Volkswagen are teaming up to develop the next generation of connected car platform that allows wide integration with smart home services and adoption of open IoT connectivity technologies. We think LG's expertise in smart technology together with Volkswagen's leadership in the automotive sector will revolutionise the way drivers interact with their vehicles."
The Volkswagen and LG tie-up comes just days after BMW announced their partnership with Intel and Mobileye to develop autonomous tech for future vehicles. And perhaps there is more to this collaboration with LG still unannounced that will allow Volkswagen to accelerate its plans to offer fully electric and/or autonomous cars within the next decade.
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