FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(October 29, 2009)
Contact: Della Domingo
909-396-0289, ext. 130
dellad@sema.org
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2009) – SEMA Show attendees with an eye on the future of automotive connectivity will have a chance to learn about the integration of automotive and consumer electronics at SEMA’s Driving Connected technology briefing seminar on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in room N254 immediately followed by a press conference at 12:30 p.m. in the North Hall Booth #10058 that will feature a collaborative project vehicle built by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) and the Automotive Electronics Connectivity Committee (AECC).
“Projects like this will create increased awareness of what is available for vehicles today as well as add to the momentum of driving smarter and safer with the evolution of cars that don’t crash and devices that don’t distract,” said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “By working together with automakers and consumer electronics companies, the AECC and specialty equipment aftermarket can help accelerate the deployment, commercialization and acceptance of on-board-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside connectivity.”
The AECC is a cross-industry, cross-association open forum initiative created to accelerate the integration and interoperability of consumer electronic products into automobiles for the benefit of consumers by stimulating collaboration and bringing points of view together. The AECC Project Vehicle demonstrates connected vehicle technologies products, services and solutions available to consumers today.
The AECC Phase I Project Vehicle is based on a 2009 AEV Expedition Package with a 5.7 Hemi engine and includes products, services and technologies provided by over 15 AECC member companies and integrated by InstallerNet. Aftermarket content for the project vehicle includes: Performance Sound, Audio/Visual Features, Wireless Connectivity, Navigation, Personal Assistance Services and Passive Safety.
“Many of the products we’ve added are not just integrated point-to-point, but also seamlessly talk with the communication busses found in the vehicle to assure safe and reliable use of both the product and the vehicle’s pre-existing features,” stated Kris Bulla, InstallerNet president and COO.
“Seamless integration has always been the number one goal at AEV. It’s the OE-like integration that AEV delivers that sets us apart from our competition,” stated Michael Chetcuti, principal of AEV.
“This project enhances public awareness of the spectrum technologies ranging from haptic input touch screens to real-time transmitted output metrics for today’s marketplace,” said Mike Blicher of Immersion Corporation and vice-chair of the AECC.
Several of the industry’s most talented leaders and industry influencers will take part in both the Driving Connected Technology Briefing and press conference, including:
- Greg Baribault, Director, Marketing and Product Planning, Microsoft Automotive
- Thilo Koslowski, Managing Vice President of Automotive, Gartner
- Roger Berg, Vice President of Wireless, Denso American International
- Greg Krueger, Program Manager, Michigan Department of Transportation
- Roger Curtis, President, Michigan International Speedway
- TC Wingrove, Director of Innovation, North America, Visteon Corporation
- Paul Venhovens, BMW Chair in Systems Integration, Clemson University
- Michael Schagrin, Program Lead, ITS Joint Program Office, Research and Innovative Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
- Mike Blicher, Director, Business Development, Immersion and Co-Chair
CEA-SEMA Automotive Electronics Connectivity Committee
The AECC was conceived and created by SEMA and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in October 2007. It is currently comprised of 65 companies and administrated by the CEA. The AECC has welcomed other associations including the Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, as well as Government and State Agencies including USDOT’s IntelliDrive and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31.85 billion specialty automotive industry of 7,144 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.
###