VW developing connected car with LG

VOLKSWAGEN Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with long-time partner LG to develop a new flexible connected car platform that will allow future VWs to communicate with cloud and location-based services and so-called ‘smart homes’.

The agreement between VW and the global electronics giant will spawn the next generation of the car-maker’s Cross-Over-Platform, bringing the next step in convenience and access to a variety of information sources, according to Volkswagen.

LG’s research activity will focus on connection to household functions such as lighting, security, heating and cooling, as well as safe and intuitive driver messaging and information systems, and the next significant steps in entertainment systems.

Volkswagen joins a host of other manufacturers exploring the possibilities of car-to-home connection and a future where occupants of a vehicle can control a number of functions around their home while on the road.

Such technologies may also work in reverse with a user able to send information to the car such as a destination address or a daily schedule from home before they board the vehicle or start a journey.

The intuitive drive messaging system mentioned in the agreement announcement is also likely to mirror the research of other manufacturers and will provide drivers with non-distracting information about the vehicle and environment such as traffic information, real-time updates of potential hazards and weather conditions.

An evolution of the system uses cloud-based information for general updates, but may also extend to peer-to-peer (car-to-car) information sharing for a more rapid notification transfer.

Entertainment advances are likely to borrow LG’s extensive experience in the realm of mobile devices and communication, although the electronics giant has the potential to contribute in the areas of high-definition displays, illumination and data management.

Previous examples of LG and Volkswagen collaboration include the 2015 Geneva show Italdesign GEA concept that used holographic displays, connected cameras and a smart watch, as well as the more recent Budd-e van that introduced home connectivity tech.

At the signing of the agreement, Volkswagen head of electronics and vehicle research Thomas Form said the memorandum marked the continuation of the company’ s focus on providing customers with comfortable, efficient and safe vehicles.

“Volkswagen is pressing on with the digitalisation of its brands,” he said. “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”.