The connected car, which will eventually be the autonomous car, has created new opportunities for major corporations across the globe.
After all, with the forecasts predicting over $100 billion across the globe being thrown at R&D and new technologies, everyone wants a piece of the pie – which can make for some unusual bedfellows. Now, technology conglomerate LG is joining telecommunications expert Qualcomm for next-generation connected-car solutions. The two companies will also establish a joint research center in South Korea to develop 5G for vehicle and C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything) technologies essential to the success of next-generation autonomous vehicles. The main thrust is technology that allows other vehicles, and the road itself, to become ‘smart.’
“LG plans to lead the next-generation vehicle components market by combining our experience in automotive communication technologies with Qualcomm’s advanced connected solutions from LTE to 5G,” Kim Jin-yong, executive vice president of LG’s Vehicle Components Smart Business Unit, noted. “We are optimistic that the combined research strength of Qualcomm and LG will yield benefits that would not be feasible working independently.” Which is the only way the future connected car and autonomous vehicle will work. All sorts of companies are going to have to work together – from raw steel foundry operators to municipalities issuing the first Level 5 autonomous vehicle licenses.
Previously, LG had entered into a partnership with Volkswagen to develop a connected-car platform that we are excited about. It is called the Cross-Over Platform. The goal is to offer drivers a seamless transition from car to home technologies. LG has already been providing infotainment products for VW, and quietly behind the scenes, has become a Tier 1 supplier for General Motors. They are one of LG’s key customers.
