Connected Car News: Hyundai, NIRA Dynamics, Alphawave, Aurora Labs, VicOne, ASRG, Stellantis, Blink, NTT DATA, DENSO, Audi & TomTom

In connected car news are Hyundai, NIRA Dynamics, Alphawave, Aurora Labs, VicOne, ASRG, Stellantis, Blink, NTT DATA, DENSO, Audi and TomTom.

Hyundai Mobis Digital Cockpit M.VICS 5.0 with 5 Display Panels

Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330), has consolidated its display innovation technologies to set a new standard for futuristic digital cockpits.

The digital cockpit, an infotainment system installed at the front of the driver and passenger seats, provides various driving information and media content while enabling external communication. As autonomous driving and electrification technologies rapidly advance, the competition in this field has intensified globally.

On June 11th, Hyundai Mobis unveiled M.VICS 5.0, the latest version of its next-generation integrated driver’s system, which encompasses these digital cockpit technologies. Since introducing M.VICS in 2021, featuring functions analyzing biometric signals such as posture, heart rate, and brain waves, Hyundai Mobis has continuously evolved the concept with annual upgrades.

The newly introduced M.VICS 5.0, under the development motto “All You Can See,” focuses on converging diverse display technologies. From a design perspec

The M.VICS 5.0 consists of five display panels: a 27-inch main screen for dashboard, navigation information, and media content, a 12.3-inch high-definition screen for the passenger, a 7-inch screen displaying various vehicle status information, and button controls. These are smoothly connected to create a spacious and open driver’s environment. A projection display with touch and haptic feedback has also been added below the large screen for enhanced convenience.

Hyundai Mobis has designed each display panel to function independently according to its purpose and use environment while allowing integration into a single screen when needed, achieving a ‘separate yet together’ implementation. The expansive screen displays diverse content, such as the dashboard, navigation, and infotainment, exceeding passengers’ expectations from vehicle displays.

Notably, the display panels feature a variable system that moves vertically and adjusts tilt, optimizing the screen’s size and position according to driving conditions. In the standard ‘Drive Mode,’ part of the panel lowers below the dashboard, transforming into a smaller display. In ‘Theater Mode’ for watching media content or ‘Relax Mode’ for resting, the steering wheel lowers and the seat tilts, with the display’s tilt and size automatically adjusting accordingly.

The large-screen display covering the vehicle’s front includes lighting technology on both sides to prevent accidents by warning of potential rear-side collisions during boarding or alighting. Additionally, color scenarios help reduce motion sickness. Cameras mounted on the steering wheel and above the driver’s seat monitor real-time drowsiness and inattentive driving and issue emergency warnings. Various safety technologies, such as steering wheel slim airbags, passenger roof airbags, and knee airbags, are integrated to ensure passenger safety.

During the development of M.VICS 5.0, Hyundai Mobis filed nine new patents related to parts, mechanical package design, and UX (User Experience) technology. Hyundai Mobis registered over 1,700 patents in 2023 alone, strengthening its technological competitiveness to lead the future mobility market.

NIRA Dynamics Loose Wheel Indicator

Following the Swedish Tire Safety Council’s alarming report on wheel detachment incidents, NIRA Dynamics reaffirms the value of its pioneering Loose Wheel Indicator (LWI) technology. Established in the market since 2017 and currently enhancing over 1 million vehicles, including Audi’s fleet, LWI represents a significant leap in automotive safety, offering a proven, software-based solution to mitigate the risks associated with wheel loss.

The urgency for innovative safety solutions has never been more critical, as the council’s report sheds light on the 30,000 wheels detaching annually in Sweden, contributing to roughly 900 traffic accidents. Leveraging the widespread adoption and success of LWI technology, NIRA Dynamics is at the forefront of addressing this issue through advanced sensor analytics and real-time driver alerts.

By utilizing the vehicle’s existing wheel speed sensors, LWI detects the early signs of wheel loosening. This seamless integration and continuous monitoring system have made LWI a cost-effective and easily deployable safety feature for manufacturers like Audi and Zeekr, demonstrating significant reductions in the incidence of wheel detachment.

Already on the market, preventing accidents

With LWI’s established presence since 2017, its contribution to road safety is tangible. For drivers, LWI provides unmatched confidence and security, dramatically lowering the potential for wheel detachment accidents. For society, a broad application of LWI would pave the way for safer roads and underscore NIRA Dynamics’ commitment to pioneering sustainable safety solutions.

Alphawave Semi & Samsung Foundry

-Alphawave Semi (LSE: AWE), a global leader in high-speed connectivity and compute silicon for the world’s technology infrastructure, has announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Samsung Foundry, one of the world’s leading advanced semiconductor manufacturers.

The expanded agreement encompasses leading-edge IP for PCI Express 7.0, 112G and 224G Ethernet and the latest UCIe (Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express) die-to-die interconnect standard that is enabling next-generation SoC (system-on-chip) technologies for AI and other HPC systems.

Alphawave Semi’s partnership with Samsung Foundry is based on an extensive range of IP aimed at minimizing design risks and propelling the success of high-performance silicon and next-generation chiplets for sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), data networking, autonomous vehicles and solid-state storage (SSD). The latest expansion of the collaboration expands these offerings for Samsung’s cutting-edge SF5 (5nm), SF4 (4nm), and SF2 (2nm) processes with additional, state-of-the-art IP that is essential for next-generation compute and network connectivity.

“Strengthening our collaboration with Samsung Foundry marks a significant step forward in our mission to drive the future of high-speed connectivity,” said Alphawave Semi CTO Tony Chan Carusone. “This partnership leverages both Alphawave Semi’s leading-edge IP portfolio and Samsung’s manufacturing prowess to meet the fast-growing demands of high-performance computing and networking.”

“We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Alphawave Semi,” said Jongshin Shin, Corporate EVP of foundry IP development at Samsung Foundry. “By harnessing their cutting-edge IP technologies alongside our advanced semiconductor processes, this collaboration is set to redefine benchmarks for high-speed connectivity and high-performance computing, supporting the ongoing evolution and success of next-generation AI systems and network solutions.”

For more information about Alphawave Semi and our partnership with Samsung Foundry, please visit www.awavesemi.com

VicOne & ASRG Advances Coverage

Uber’s advertising division announced an exclusive partnership with T-Mobile Advertising Solutions and its rideshare media network – Octopus Interactive – which features the largest national network of interactive video screens inside rideshare vehicles. Through this partnership, Uber will leverage a portion of T-Mobile’s rideshare inventory to expand Uber’s JourneyTV offering to over 50,000 vehicles across the US this year, providing advertisers an entirely new opportunity to connect with Uber riders when they’re most likely to engage.

As part of the partnership, T-Mobile screens will display Uber’s JourneyTV rider experience when an Uber trip is underway. JourneyTV shows a live trip map with ETA until drop off, personalized recommendations on restaurants near the trip destination, travel inspiration ideas and local activities to enjoy, as well as highly relevant video, interactive and other ads driven by Uber’s first party data insights.

Advertisers and riders alike benefit from the unique ride experience. To date, advertisements from Uber’s own video screens have seen a 98% completion rate. In addition, riders are seeing the value in those ads, with new research from MAGNA and Uber showing 74% of people express an interest in taking advantage of an offer displayed during a trip and around 7 in 10 riders view ads as an enhancement to their ride. For advertisers, JourneyTV provides a unique opportunity to reach Uber riders on the largest screen in the car during a trip, with content that is uniquely relevant to their key audiences.

“As advertisers continue to look for ways to find consumers at the right moment, this partnership with T-Mobile gives them the unique opportunity to literally sit in the back seat with the people they want to reach most,” said Gil Schwartz, General Manager JourneyTV, Uber advertising. “JourneyTV delivers a new CTV channel to reach a younger, high-income audience that is tech-inclined, savvy and more likely to consume and engage with video and interactive content.”

Now, advertisers will be able to take advantage of the insights, geo-targeting and reach made possible through Uber’s scale and first-party data, alongside T-Mobile’s comprehensive rideshare network of screens to execute tailored campaigns that reach a range of highly engaged consumers and provide them a unique and relevant ad experience.

Sensata Launches SGX Series

Sensata Technologies (NYSE: ST), today announced the launch of its SGX Series – the SGX150, SGX250 and SGX400 contactors. These new series of contactors complement the existing portfolio with solutions ideal for low-power applications that require reliable switching and efficient design like residential energy storage systems, DC fast charging stations, and industrial applications such as electric forklifts and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV). The new SGX series utilize ceramic to metal weld technology with several advantages:

“Launching the SGX Series represents a significant advancement in our contactor portfolio, offering hermetically sealed square form factor

• Hermetically sealed for optimal breaking capabilities
• Usage up to 175°C with effective handling of over-current conditions
• Gas backfilled (primarily hydrogen) resulting in low and stable contact resistance
• Tailored t;/

Stellantis’ Software Growth

Stellantis is enhancing the mobility experience of consumer and commercial owners of vehicles from its 14 iconic brands with a steady stream of new connected features. That effort is delivering a boost to high-margin revenue from software and connected services, which has grown by 2.5 times since 2021, as the number of subscribers globally during that same period has increased to 5 million.

Additionally, the monetizable car parc has grown 15% to 13.8 million vehicles, and Stellantis delivered more than 94 million over-the-air (OTA) updates in 2023, adding and improving features in its existing vehicles.

Those achievements set the foundation for the next chapter of software growth at Stellantis, which is using cloud-based design and testing tools, including the groundbreaking Virtual Engineering Workbench, to redefine automotive software development speed, quality and deployment. The software, developed in-house and with a roster of strategic partners, enables next-generation features for upcoming Stellantis brand vehicles and those on the road today.

“In a little more than two years we have made a decisive shift from a traditional auto industry mindset to operating much more like a startup company, including a sharp focus on speed and building up our own software creation capabilities. It gives us critical flexibility and a competitive advantage going forward,” said Yves Bonnefont, Stellantis Chief Software Officer. “Now we take the next step and begin scaling up, which includes the tech readiness for integration of our transformative STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and STLA AutoDrive AI-powered technology platforms.”

Stellantis has built its in-house capabilities to develop its own software, taking advantage of a global footprint of technology development hubs to work 24/7, building and customizing software products for each of the Company’s vehicle platforms.

The cutting-edge technology platforms are:

• STLA Brain: The foundational architecture offers centralized computing full over-the-air access to sensors and actuators. It reduces complexity, enabling the number of electronic control units (ECUs) per vehicle to be reduced by half to approximately 60 ECUs. New features can be developed in-house in less than six months, one-fourth the time of today’s process. Technology readiness for integration is expected by the end of the year, with vehicle integration in 2025.
• STLA SmartCockpit: The platform ushers in a new generation of personalization and connected capabilities, powered by machine learning and AI technologies, giving users a seamless integration with their digital lives. A focus on simplified menus with fewer clicks for response to user inputs significantly improves ease of use. AI-enabled experiences give vehicle occupants more options in navigation, media, climate, lighting and productivity features. The key is a digital personal profile that knows your preferences and moves with you between Stellantis brand vehicles. Technology readiness for integration is expected by the end of the year. STLA SmartCockpit debuts in a Stellantis brand vehicle in 2025.
• STLA AutoDrive: The system leverages the capabilities of STLA Brain and STLA SmartCockpit to deliver useful and continuously updated Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology that is intuitive, robust and inspires driver confidence. STLA AutoDrive targets significantly increasing the uninterrupted time and distance for ADAS-supported driving. The strategy includes industry-leading ADAS that provides drivers with both hands-off/eyes-off-the-road mobility and a fallback to limited hands-off/eyes-on-the-road cruising (Level 2+) in the same system. Eyes-off technology readiness for integration is expected by the end of the year with the commercial launch in 2025.

Stellantis is developing connected services and software-enabled features for retail and fleet customers under the philosophy of “Make my drive safer, make my life easier, and make my drive more exciting.” Features available today in regions around the world include:

e-ROUTES: Available in Europe and expanding globally this year, Stellantis is the first automaker to launch a route-planning smartphone app integrated with real-time vehicle data, specifically designed for EVs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto project e-ROUTES onto the vehicle’s central screen. Charge stops are tailored to the driver’s preferences, including payment options and minimum battery level.

ChatGPT enhanced virtual assistant: After a successful pilot in October 2023, Stellantis is the first OEM to offer ChatGPT as a standard feature for new and existing vehicles, available in 20 European countries by the end of 2024. Conversing in natural language can help customers learn more about the world around them, the places they are going, or even tell the passengers a story.

AppMarket: In North America, AppMarket is the central hub for connectivity, integrating regularly refreshed services and experiences with the ability to purchase subscriptions in the vehicle. AppMarket has been made available over the air in nearly half of Jeep_® and Ram vehicles from the 2021 to 2023 model years and will reach 99% of eligible vehicles by the end of 2024. A similar service covers eligible vehicles in Europe.

Free2move Connect Fleet: This fleet management platform links a fleet manager with his or her vehicles for real-time visibility. An online dashboard displays vital vehicle health data such as oil life remaining or battery state of charge. Free2move Connect Fleet can also set geofence boundaries and provides real-time geolocation. In case of theft, a tracker helps with recovery.

MyTasks: This tool gives drivers all the info they need on the in-vehicle entertainment screen to execute their schedules efficiently, even if there are changes or delays. Fleet managers get automatic updates when tasks are completed or delayed and rescheduled, so all parties can manage the day’s progress.

Mobilisights is expanding its client base by leveraging data from 13.8 million connected Stellantis vehicles to deliver innovative solutions that not only respect privacy but also enrich its customers’ experiences. These insights enhance fleet management, drivers experience, traffic management and urban planning, fostering a smarter and safer transportation world through personalized and anonymized data.

Blink Charing FedRAMPed

Blink Charging Co. (NASDAQ: BLNK) (“Blink” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer, owner, operator and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services,  announced it has achieved the “In Process” designation granted by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP^®) for its EV charging solutions. Blink is presently listed as “In Process” in the FedRAMP Marketplace. Upon achievement of full accreditation for the Company’s EV charging network, the Blink Network, government agencies will be able to contract with Blink or the Company’s federal resellers for networked EV charging. Blink expects to reach full FedRAMP compliance status before the end of Q3 2024.

FedRAMP is a U.S. government program that promotes the adoption of safe, secure cloud services across the federal government by providing a standardized approach to security and risk assessment for modern cloud technologies. The “In Process” designation is granted to cloud-based companies actively working toward FedRAMP Authorization. This milestone demonstrates Blink’s commitment to expanding charging infrastructure and supporting a more sustainable future by electrifying the federal fleet and implementing EV charging at federal workplaces nationwide.

In April 2023, federal agencies committed to deploying 24,000 charging stations to support their goals of transitioning federal fleets to all electric vehicles by 2035, as set out by the current Federal Sustainability Plan, with more undoubtedly needed as the transition progresses. The expected full accreditation of FedRAMP compliant status for Blink positions the Company with high visibility in a marketplace serving a large variety of federal agencies and government contractors seeking increased EV charging infrastructure to support these aims. This achievement allows for state and local governments leveraging federal funds to electrify their fleets to streamline the purchase of Blink products and services through this trusted procurement process.

“At Blink, we understand the importance of providing reliable and advanced cloud-based EV charging stations across government agencies and we are excited to reach this significant milestone in the FedRAMP process,” stated Brendan Jones, President and CEO at Blink Charging. “We look forward to becoming FedRAMP authorized and continuing to collaborate with federal government agencies as a leader in the U.S. fleet electrification strategy.”

Blink’s products and services can be obtained through the GSA MAS or GSA EVSE BPA through Blink’s federal resellers. Blink was also previously awarded a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), enabling government customers and federal agencies to conveniently purchase Blink electric vehicle (EV) equipment and services through the GSA Schedule for their EV charging needs. Additionally, Blink has installed charging stations at GSA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of Justice facilities. Furthermore, Blink was awarded an IDIQ contract by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to sell up to 41,500 charging stations. With this “In Process” designation, Blink will diligently proceed with the continued requirements in the FedRAMP authorization process.

NTT DATA & DENSO

On June 12, 2024, NTT DATA Japan Corporation (“NTT DATA”) and DENSO CORPORATION (“DENSO”) have signed a memorandum of understanding to form a strategic partnership for software development.

Through the agreement, the companies will deepen their collaboration on strategy, talent management, and technology as they jointly contribute to the advancement of Japan’s automotive industry and help address social issues. The partnership between DENSO, which has strengths in vehicle (in-car) technologies including in-vehicle software, and NTT DATA, which has strengths in outside-car technologies including cloud computing, aims to quickly and efficiently develop and offer in-vehicle software, which is becoming more prevalent and sophisticated in new vehicles.

The two companies will also hire more advanced software engineers and upskill current engineers at both companies to create a globally deployable software-oriented mobility service platform, which will help support a mobility-centered society in the era of software-defined vehicles (“SDVs”).

As the first initiative, the two companies will jointly establish a software development system, as well as training engineers and increase the number of engineers to 3,000 engineers by 2030.

Audi Chips Interview

Semiconductors can be found throughout modern cars, from the engine control and driver assistance and safety systems such as proximity radar and ESP to the infotainment system. An electric Audi or Volkswagen today contains up to 8,000 of them. These essential chips are a critical component of innovation in the automotive industry. Hand in hand with the Volkswagen Group and technology leaders from the microelectronics industry, Audi is shaping the future of mobility. To this end, the company held the third Semiconductor Summit, under the title “Innovation needs Coopetition” on June 11. In this interview, Audi Board Member for Procurement Renate Vachenauer and Volkswagen Member for Procurement Dirk Große-Loheide discuss coopetition, whether the Group’s semiconductor strategy has been successful, and why much remains to be done for Europe as a center for automotive semiconductors.

Mr. Große-Loheide, a few months ago everyone was talking about the shortage of chips. Are you struggling with that? And how important is the automotive industry to the semiconductor industry?

Dirk Große-Loheide: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced a lot of pressure on our existing supply chains, as did most manufacturers. We learned from that and were able to draw important conclusions. Since then, the situation has greatly improved. But, having developed a procurement strategy for semiconductors, we are also in a completely different position today. Among other changes, we now work much more closely with our direct suppliers and directly with semiconductor manufacturers. Our direct contractual relationships with chip manufacturers are proof of that – since early 2023, the Group has signed more than ten direct contracts with semiconductor manufacturers. Through direct communication, we closely coordinate our needs and technical roadmaps with them. We maintain a contingency reserve of critical components, to name just a few of the many measures we have taken to increase our resilience. At the same time, the automotive industry has also now become one of the fastest-growing markets for semiconductors. With the rapidly advancing digitalization and electrification of our vehicles, semiconductor sales will triple to approximately $150 billion in the decade to 2030. And so we, as a strategic customer for the semiconductor industry, will also have an important role.

What does the title of the Semiconductor Summit “Innovation needs Coopetition” mean, and what exactly is coopetition, Ms. Vachenauer?

Renate Vachenauer: Coopetition is a well-balanced harmony between competition and cooperation, an approach that we also promote in the automotive semiconductor sector. Semiconductors are becoming the neurons of our cars. We are making our technical and commercial policies transparent, disclosing our technology strategy, and taking a much stronger position along the value chain. This enables our tier-one and tier-two partners to zero in on our needs and compete for innovation. It also provides planning certainty through close partnerships. I am therefore particularly pleased to have welcomed these top players from the microelectronics industry to Munich, where we worked out the details of our future cooperation under the leadership of the Volkswagen Group. At the Summit, we and our partners made significant progress on these goals.

When will Audi or Volkswagen customers begin to benefit from the innovations you mentioned?

Renate Vachenauer: Semiconductors already power Vorsprung durch Technik. They are a critical component that help make cars unique. Take our fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, for example. One of its highlights is the use of our second-generation digital OLED technology in the rear lights. For the first time, this technology allows us to communicate with other road users, for example by displaying warning symbols in hazardous situations. This feature relies on powerful semiconductors. We are also bringing Vorsprung to life in other areas, such as electric mobility, efficiency, connectivity, and driver assistance systems. Our upcoming model launches will introduce a number of new features to get our customers excited about the holistic driving experience.

Given the needs of the automotive industry and competition from Asia, is Europe resilient when it comes to microelectronics, Mr. Große-Loheide?

Dirk Große-Loheide: In recent years, there have been a lot of efforts to address this issue in Europe. One example is the recently ratified EU Chips Act. But despite this, most innovation continues to take place outside Europe. This is in part due to the cost drawbacks of developing and manufacturing semiconductors in Europe. Therefore, we need to step up our efforts and invest more in research and development in the semiconductor industry, and in the education and training of semiconductor professionals. At the same time, geopolitical instability is threatening the benefits of globalization. We all need to find the right answers, especially our political leaders. Because even if we rely more on localization in certain parts of the world, as we do in China, that cannot be the sole solution to the growing geopolitical issues we face.

What is the vision that you and the technology leaders in the semiconductor industry are trying to realize?

Renate Vachenauer: Basically, we need to build on three pillars. First, we need to work with the microelectronics industry to further improve the resilience of the supply chain. This means, among other things, that we as a car manufacturer have to be more transparent about our needs. At the same time, it is crucial to build up reserves of critical semiconductors. Second, our goal is to increase profitability through universal standards and the improved interchangeability of different semiconductors. And third, of course, we are committed to driving innovation by aligning the roadmaps of both industries.

Dirk Große-Loheide: As is the case with all our products, the desires of our customers are our starting point. We are therefore working to drive the development of customer features and innovations along our roadmap, and cooperating closely with our partners to this end. We are also moving towards the software-defined vehicle (SDV) – a completely new approach to product development. This means working with our partners to develop a common understanding of future vehicle needs, leading to strategic collaborations such as the co-design and co-development of semiconductors. The upshot is that we will also significantly increase the pace of development, I am sure of that.

TomTom & Miovision

TomTom, the location technology specialist, announced it has been selected by Miovision, a global leader in traffic management technologies, to improve their traffic signal analytics and in-vehicle solutions, helping reduce congestion and emissions, and improve public safety.

Miovision enables products like Audi Traffic Light Information, a first-of-its-kind technology that helps drivers identify optimal speeds to avoid red lights. TomTom’s traffic data will enhance Miovision’s solutions with real-time and historical traffic flow information at intersections.

Utilizing TomTom’s enhanced Junction Analytics product, Miovision can precisely determine the number of vehicles passing through an intersection, identify their directions of travel, and predict green light timings with precision. This information is communicated via industry-standard message sets to drivers, giving them the certainty and confidence needed to approach intersections safely. Powered by TomTom’s real-time, fully anonymized traffic data from millions of connected vehicles and devices globally, Miovision has improved the functionality and accuracy of its products.////

Infineon Next Gen OptiMOS 7 MOSFETs