GPS World

Tag: telematics

  • Qualcomm Offers Commercial Advanced Chipset for Automotive

    Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has added the Qualcomm Gobi 9×30 platform with extended lifecycle support to Snapdragon Automotive Solutions, enabling advanced telematics and infotainment features for next-generation systems.

    The announcement was made at Mobile World Congress, being held this week in Barcelona, Spain.

    Based on Qualcomm Technologies’ fourth-generation LTE platform, the Gobi 9×30 supports LTE Advanced Category 6 with up to 300 Mbps downlink data rates, enabling broadband vehicle connectivity for enhanced navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, infotainment content and telematics services.

    Gobi 9×30 builds upon Qualcomm Technologies’ LTE modem technology for automotive, the Gobi 9×15, and promises to enable a superior next-generation GNSS engine and fast 3G and 4G LTE connections worldwide, while supporting broad multi-region coverage in a single SKU with the Qualcomm RF360 front-end solution. The Gobi 9×30 is based on the 20-nm technology node with support for global carrier aggregation deployments up to 40 MHz in both LTE FDD and TDD modes. The Gobi 9×30 features broad multi-mode capability with support for all other major cellular technologies, including LTE TDD networks in China.

    In addition to 3G/LTE connectivity, the new platform is pre-integrated with QCA6574, a dual-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 chipset designed to simultaneously support in-car Wi-Fi hotspot functions and Bluetooth profiles. The QCA6574 also supports DSRC (dedicated short-range communications), a technology required to comply with future regulation recently announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to increase safety through vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. The Gobi 9×30 and QCA6574 will also be pre-integrated with Qualcomm Technologies’ recently-announced automotive-grade Snapdragon 602A processor.

    “The need for high-speed connectivity in the automobile is driving ever-increasing data rates as well as greater integration of features and technologies,” said Kanwalinder Singh, senior vice president of business development for Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Adding Gobi 9×30 to our technology leading LTE lineup offers to our module, Tier-1 and automaker customers the flexibility of a global SKU with next-generation LTE features including data rates up to 300 Mbps and carrier aggregation. The Gobi 9×30 sets a new bar for features and integration: 20 nm technology node; support for both LTE FDD and TDD modes; built-in next-generation GNSS engine; pre-integration with Snapdragon 602A; and pre-integration with QCA 6574, supporting 802.11ac, BT 4.1, and DSRC.”

    Gobi 9×30 is currently sampling to customers.

  • SiriusXM to Acquire Connected Vehicle Unit of Agero

    Sirius XM Radio has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the connected vehicle services business of Agero, Inc. for $530 million in cash.

    The connected vehicle unit of Agero is a leading provider of innovative telematics services, according to Sirius, offering safety, security and convenience services for drivers and end-to-end, turnkey solutions for automakers. Following the acquisition, SiriusXM will provide connected vehicle services to numerous automotive manufacturers, including Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota.

    Webinar: The Connected Vehicle

    All major international car-makers are installing telematics units, sending a signal that wireless information and connectivity is here to stay in the vehicle, and location will be a big part of the growth. To learn more about the rapid changes in the connected vehicle field, tune in to our September 19 webinar, hosted by Wireless LBS editor Janice Partyka. Registration is free.

    SiriusXM offers “unparalleled audio entertainment and data services available in more than 50 million vehicles,” the company said in a statement. “Telematics and connected vehicle solutions are key elements in the future of the auto industry. The acquisition of the connected vehicle business of Agero establishes SiriusXM as the leading provider for services in this growing industry.”

    “The acquisition of Agero’s connected vehicle business is a natural fit for Sirius XM,” said Jim Meyer, Chief Executive Officer, SiriusXM. “As the world’s leading provider of in-vehicle subscription services, SiriusXM is uniquely positioned to offer world-class end-to-end telematics services.”

    Meyer said the transaction accelerates SiriusXM’s development in architecture supporting connected vehicle services, as well as the ability to provide services over both satellite and cellular networks. “Agero’s connected vehicle team is known for their experience, innovation and technology, and we look forward to welcoming them to SiriusXM as we work to capture the significant growth opportunities in connected vehicle services.”

    The transaction is subject to the expiration or early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust waiting period and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to SiriusXM in connection with this transaction.

  • Geotab Launches Telematics ID Key Solution with IOX Technology

    Geotab Launches Telematics ID Key Solution with IOX Technology

    Geotab has launched a telematics Near Field Communications (NFC) Driver ID solution using an Input-Output-Expander (IOX) that allows for simultaneous connections and communications to occur with multiple devices, such as Garmin, Iridium, and HOS.

    As an addition to its comprehensive fleet management platform, the technology will now help managers keep better track of each driver’s productivity and on-road safety — no matter which vehicle they are in, Geotab said.

    With one touch of the NFC fob, vehicle operators can quickly, easily, and securely transfer their driver identification information to the cloud. Since Geotab’s GO6 device allows for multiple plug-and-play connections, the NFC Driver ID solution can be setup in minutes, the company said. Associating drivers with the vehicles they are in also allows for the software to generate driver-based score reports.

    “The newly launched NFC Driver ID is a telematics industry game-changer that provides a reliable and accurate solution for businesses which pool their vehicles,” said Colin Sutherland, Geotab VP.

    “NFC is seeing rapid application expansion across smartphones, tablets, and laptops. We fully expect to leverage this technology for future applications,” added Neil Cawse, Geotab CEO.

    Although Geotab is launching a new Driver ID solution based on NFC, Geotab’s web-based software, MyGeotab, has been reporting both driver and vehicle summary value reports for over 10 years. The NFC Driver ID solution is now available for purchase through Geotab’s extensive Authorized Reseller network.

  • Audi Adds INRIX Park Service Globally

    Drivers looking for parking account for up to a third of all traffic in major cities, according to INRIX, a provider of traffic information, directions, driver services, apps, and tools to car makers and other businesses. The company’s proudct Park Service provides drivers with continuously updated pricing, hours, and availability information for participating off-street parking locations in North America and Europe.  The service will be available immediately with all active Audi connect accounts. In the U.S. market, the service brings new benefits to more than 100,000 Audi models on the road today.

    More than 18,000  parking locations in the U.S. and 42,000 more across Europe participate in the program. With the INRIX Park, Audi connect customers gain the ability to easily compare rates, gauge proximity to their destination and get turn-by-turn directions to parking entrances. The roster of available parking destinations will continue to grow as data on the locations and available spaces builds.

    “Together with Audi we’re making it easier to get new integrated navigation services in your vehicle than it is to update your smartphone,” said Bryan Mistele of INRIX. “With drivers looking for parking accounting for up to a third of all traffic in our cities, INRIX Park demonstrates how new data driven services can help drivers save time and frustration on the road.”

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  • The Race to Own Mapping

    Mapping turned up the heat in June, becoming a hot topic across the board. Apple ended negotiations to buy Waze, a provider of crowd sourced mapping and traffic, reportedly because the company did not want to relocate from Israel. Google quickly took Apple’s place as Waze’s buyer. With almost 50 million drivers using Waze, many via Apple Maps, Google would get another leg up in the race to own mapping. The connected car industry, gathered in Detroit last week, discussed the need for intelligibility in the market, particularly more organized categories of offerings.  Also of interest this month is the backpack-mounted Google Trekker used to map the world where cars don’t go, as well as the LocationTech working group.

    Surprisingly, reaction to Google’s sweeping design of new personalized maps, now in limited release, has been muted.  The maps show landmarks, restaurants, and other details tailored to the user’s plans, habits, and interests that will become increasingly individualized with usage. One person’s map may include bars and public pools, another’s may include book stores and playgrounds. Google also introduced other map features like blending of Google’s place images, 360 degree views within retail shops, and 3-D satellite images of earth without a plug-in or download needed.

    Connected Car Gathering. At Telematics Detroit last week, the connected car industry tried to reach much-needed clarity on the state of the connected car, with attention to standardization, consolidation, increased collaboration, and partnership. Many are trying to build a smartphone experience in the car but, “compared to a mobile phone, you’re always going to lose,” said Robert Acker of Harman. “The car is another device on the ‘Internet of Things,’ and we need to optimize that thing for consuming content while driving. Don’t make it a bigger smartphone device. That’s all Google or Apple can do. Rather, completely change the paradigm. Make it totally seamless; introduce gesture, head-up displays, steering controls. Make it truly revolutionized for the customer.”

    Auto OEMs Are Changing Really. Smartphone-like capability in the vehicle is revitalizing the staid OEM industry and has encouraged car manufacturers to take more risk and speed up development time. It used to be de rigueur that a car maker would first pick a supplier like Denso to build a component, like a radio. “Now the automotive companies are first choosing a platform and layering on companies to build the solution. Tech companies are specialists,” says David Jumpa of Airbiquity. “We stand in the middle of the platform that makes it all work together.”  Jumpa expects connected car services to get bundled and consumers to pay a subscription fee.

    Freedom to Choose. To the unhappiness of wireless carriers, the automotive industry is planning on building cars with embedded subscriber identity module (SIM). Unlike current SIM cards that are carrier-specific, these are universal SIM cards that would enable customers to pick their vehicle’s wireless carrier and then change it at will. For OEMs, embedding SIM cards creates great efficiency. SIM cards can’t be easily replaced, as they must be soldered into vehicles because of vibration and shock. With OEMs shipping vehicles to multiple countries that have different carriers, a universal SIM card provides great flexibility and cost savings. Apple once tried to pursue an embedded SIM card and the carriers rose against it, but let’s see how the OEMs fare.

    Mapping the World on Your Back. You’ve probably seen cars loaded with GPS and cameras for mapping streets. It is less likely you’ve seen mapping trikes, carts, or new photo-mapping backpack. Google uses the Trekker, a 42-pound backpack equipped with GPS and 15 cameras. Every 2.5 seconds it takes a picture as a person lugs it along trails, narrow streets, alleys, and mountains. Photos are stitched together to create panoramic images for StreetView.

    Location Collaboration. A new initiative, LocationTech, has arrived on the location scene and is dedicated to individual and company collaboration on open-source software with an emphasis on location. The non-profit Eclipse Foundation, has created the working group LocationTech, led by Oracle, IBM, OpenGeo, and Actuate. LocationTech will allow companies to jointly develop and deploy components that bring location awareness to enterprise IT. “No single vendor can address the range of issues our LocationTech working group members are going to solve,” said Mike Milinkovich of Eclipse. “By creating a multi-vendor, open platform for location technologies, we intend to spur even broader adoption of location aware products, devices and services.” LocationTech might sound similar to the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo); however, LocationTech offers full-service support and staffing for open-source location-aware technologies.

     

     

     

  • Powelectrics and Telit Expand Cooperation in Wireless Telemetry Market

    Powelectrics and Telit Expand Cooperation in Wireless Telemetry Market

    Telit Wireless Solutions and Powelectrics Ltd. today announced collaboration in the wireless telemetry application market with the launch of Powelectrics’ Telit-based product Metron2.

    The Metron2 is a multi-function cellular-connected telemetry device capable of making remote fill-level readings in tanks containing liquids and gases.  The device’s integral display allows the unit to be used also as a local gauge and for system set up and testing. An optional pulse-counter board allows the device to take external meter readings.

    The Metron2 is wide-area-network connected with the Telit GE864-QUAD V2 cellular module and self powered from an internal battery. The Metron2 can be powered from different sources, including an internal battery or an external 6-24Vdc source. It is often not economically feasible to run power to the site for remote telemetry installation, the companies said, such as the cryogenic gas monitoring segment where it is important that the device be on and available to be polled any time, day or night. For this market, Powelectrics developed a solar-powered system.

    The solar-powered telemetry system allows the unit to remain always on and connected to the GSM/GPRS network so the server can make contact at any time with instant reading requests. Equipped with the Metron2, a tanker truck can be dispatched to best matching customer locations according to volume available in the tanker and volume required by customers, efficiently exhausting the tanker’s full supply of product instead of transporting it back to base saving fuel and removing the risk of the returned product contaminating the storage or process facility, the companies said.

    Knowing how much product is in the customer’s tanks makes it possible to plan when and which truck should make deliveries. This translates into fewer miles driven to deliver the same amount of product and therefore a significant reduction in costs. There is also a dramatic reduction in CO2 emissions. There are also accompanying operational benefits, including fewer emergency shipments, reduced customer service organization and reduced sales resources. These benefits translate into a balance sheet boasting reduced levels of finished goods and raw materials inventory.

    The European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) has been encouraging more extensive use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools to improve supply chain efficiency. According to the Department for Transport in the UK, by 2015, total traffic on the roads will have grown by over 30 per cent compared to 2000 levels and the CBI has estimated that road congestion currently costs the UK up to £20 billion annually.

    Telit’s GE864-QUAD V2 ultra-compact, low-power, quad-band GSM/GPRS 3GPP Release 4 module integrated in Powelectrics’ Metron2 has one of the industry’s broadest certification profiles in its class, making it easily deployable anywhere in the global market, Telit said.  Modules in this family are capable of data rates of 48Kbps GPRS Class 10 also supporting 9.6Kpbs Circuit Switch Data (CSD) transfers ensuring connectivity in poor coverage areas. The GE864-QUAD V2 family features one of the market’s most compact Ball Grid Array (BGA) package measuring 30 x 30 x 2.8 mm and an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for outdoor-environment mobile applications such as the Metron2.

    “The last couple of years have seen a dramatic upturn in demand for our product as users of telemetry become comfortable with the reliability and more aware of the benefits that telemetry brings. We continue to develop our already well proven solutions helping drive down the total cost of ownership and therefore reducing the payback time. Telemetry has never been so affordable,” said David Oakes, sales director, Powelectrics. “We realize the need to be flexible in what we offer. Some customers want a complete solution from us encompassing hardware, hosted software and SIM cards whereas others just want the hardware. It’s also vital that data is delivered where it is needed which often means us providing some form of automated interface into the clients systems, delivering data in a customized format.”

  • FICOSA Integrates OriginGPS Antenna Module in Telematic Unit

    FICOSA demonstrated a telematic unit integrating a multi-service antenna module for positioning and satellite navigation supporting all the geographic positioning standards at the 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February.

    The major advantage of this technological innovation is that the proposed multi-channel GPS/Galileo/GLONASS/BeiDou/QZSS receiver allows tracking across all the different navigation and positioning satellite standards worldwide, so that automakers can  the having to manage different variants of in-vehicle telematic units (iVTUs) depending on the geographical market. iVTUs are needed for emergency call function, fleet management, and other functions. It incorporates an OriginGPS antenna.

    The new module is a complete system-in-package featuring miniature surface mount device technology footprint designed to commit unique integration features for high volume, low power and cost-sensitive applications.

    In addition, the reduced size of the receiver module makes the most of a stacked-up in board integration through miniaturized integrated circuits and surface mount devices, allows an aggressive reduction of the iVTU packaging, which is advantageous for the OEM for car assembly, iVTU localization inside the vehicle, and weight reduction.

    The innovation represents the result of the international collaboration between FICOSA and OriginGPS. “We view the telematics market as a growing market and it is our privilege to cooperate and partner with Ficosa and its excellent engineering team,” said Haim Goldberger, CEO and founder of OriginGPS.

    “In FICOSA, innovation and technology are two main tools for our future and working with OriginGPS is a great issue,” said Jose María Forcadell, Advanced Communications Business Unit Director at FICOSA.

  • Huawei Brings Connectivity to Vehicles with Telematics Solutions

    Huawei Brings Connectivity to Vehicles with Telematics Solutions

    Huawei, a global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, unveiled a series of products heralding the company’s first foray into telematics solutions at the 2013 Mobile World Congress, being held this week in Barcelona, Spain.

    Huawei showcased its vehicle-compatible 3G and LTE communication modules, MU609T and ME909T, its 3G mobile hotspot, DA6810, and its 3G onboard diagnostic (OBD) box, DA3100. Huawei’s products for vehicles provide stable wireless solutions in diverse environments regardless of weather conditions, terrain, or reliability of power supply, providing new development opportunities for the automotive industry, and unsurpassed convenience for car owners.

    “Huawei is excited to welcome in an era of smart vehicles with the availability of products that integrate wireless communications and automotive electronic technologies,” said Kevin Liu, vice president, Mobile Broadband Division, Huawei Consumer Business Group. “Huawei’s telematic solutions are designed to enable cars and other transportation vehicles to exist in a seamless wireless mobile environment, so that users are truly able to enjoy the benefits brought about by ICT services.”

    The MU609T and ME909T are Huawei’s first 3G and LTE communication modules for vehicles. They are both pin-to-pin compatible, and cater specifically to the working enviroment temperature and power consumption of the automotive industry. The MU609T can support up to 14.4M under the HSPA+ network, and the ME909T can support up to 100Mbps under the LTE network. Both modules are pre-installed with GPS and eCall. In addition, the FOTA remote firmwire upgrade capability makes it possible to integrate new technologies into existing MU609T and ME909T modules. The strengths of MU609T and ME909T have been recognized by leading global car manufacturers, and will be integrated into the wireless communication systems of some of the world’s top vehicles in the near future, the company said.

    The DA6810 3G Wi-Fi Box creates 3G Wi-Fi hotspots in mobile environments to provide high-speed internet connectivity on-the-go. Once installed with the HUAWEI DA6810 3G Wi-Fi Box, a vehicle becomes interactive, high-tech and networked, providing owners with a high-speed internet and audio-visual entertainment experience, Huawei said.

    The DA3100 is an on-board diagnistics (OBD) data transferring system that enables insurance providers and fleet management companies to retrieve information such as location, vehicle conditions and driver habits. This in-car system transfers information in real time through a 3G network to the telematics service provider (TSP) platforms of various third-party entities. It also enables vehicle owners to activate the car horn, headlights and windows remotely via smartphone apps. The DA3100 is powerful yet easy to install, is not limited by geographical region or vehicles types, and can be activated upon installation, Huawei said.

  • Telematics Detroit 2013

    Telematics Detroit — scheduled for June 5-6, in Novi, Michigan — is a conference and exhibition focused on the entire telematics ecosystem. In 2012, 1800+ executives attended along with 100+ industry speakers.

    Key topics this year include:

    • The Ultimate End-to-End Telematics Platform: Dispel the “killer app” myth to adopt an approach to connectivity that eschews the next big thing in favor of a holistic suite of connected services that encompasses CRM, HMI and content.
    • Turn the Car into a Money-Making Machine: Subscription-only models have failed to ignite mass adoption of connected vehicle services. Discover how to create a flexible micro-transactional platform that aligns with the service and payment demands of consumers.
    • Make Big Data Useful Data: Tackle the proliferation of vehicle generated information to debate the granularity of data collection required to provide OEMs with data sets relevant to optimizing the driving and vehicle ownership experience.
    • The Telematics Trojan Horse: Debate whether strategic partnerships with the titans of CE, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, will result in diminished OEM influence or translate into the ability to attract tech. loyal consumers and close the automotive innovation gap.
    • The Infotainment Ecosystem Reinvented: BMW, Ford and GM announce their connected car visions to gain cross-industry buy-in. Analyze whether opening up APIs and SDKs will attract third party developers by creating higher volumes to support a truly auto-centric business case.

    Visit the website for more information.

  • u-blox 3G module certified by Korean’s SK Telecom

    u-blox, the Swiss positioning and wireless chip and module company, has received approval for its LISA-U110 UMTS/HSPA wireless module from SK Telecom, Korea’s largest mobile telecom operator with more than 50 percent market share. SK Telecom provides multimedia services and connectivity to 24 million customers throughout South Korea.

    The certification allows the LISA modem to be used in a wide range of consumer and M2M applications operating over SK Telecom’s nation-wide 3G network including vehicle infotainment, supply chain management, industrial automation, metering, security, and location-based services.

    “We are very pleased that SK Telecom has chosen to work with us on this 3G approval. Our compact and high-speed LISA 3G module is a perfect fit with their strategy to provide converged wireless services supporting entertainment, business and financial applications. Our local support in Korea was a key factor in obtaining this certification” said Samuel Ji, u-blox Country Manager, Korea.

    The LISA-U110 is an embedded wireless UMTS/HSPA module delivering high data rates in 3G networks intended for consumer, automotive and industrial applications. For telematics applications, the series provides easy integration with u-blox GPS, GLONASS and QZSS receivers.

    LISA modules come in SMT form factor and have a very small footprint, allowing easy mounting on any application board. The LISA form factor enables easy manufacturing, u-blox said, as well as simple migration from u‑blox’ GSM/GPRS modules. Support for A-GPS and u-blox’ CellLocate positioning technology is embedded to facilitate advanced telematics applications including indoor positioning.

    Features include compatibility with quad-band GPRS/EDGE, low power (idle mode less than 2 mA) and operating temperature -40 to +85 deg. Celsius. RIL software for Android and Embedded Windows is available free of charge.

    LISA modules are manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites and are fully qualified according to ISO 16750 — Environmental conditions and electrical testing for electrical and electronic equipment for road vehicles to provide high durability and reliability.

     

  • Telematic Future: eCall, Insurance, Drive-Share

    By Moni Malek

    Consider two notable developments in 2011 that will influence the development of consumer transportation:

    • China became the largest manufacturer of automobiles, producing more than 18 million vehicles, easily overtaking Europe and North America.
    • Smartphone volume shipments surpassed the volume of laptops and desktop PCs combined.

    Reflecting these two rising economic rockets, the November Munich Telematics show drew its largest attendance yet, 500-plus participants, and a greatly expanded exhibit area.

    The rising dominance of smartphones — one participant observed that they are taking over the world —will have a big impact on how users expect to access or view their telematics data; that is, any wireless information accessed by them while in their car. Developers and manufactures used to have a problem regarding which system to support, but with Android now at more than 50 percent of smartphones share, it is becoming the de facto first-choice standard and will probably become the user interface model.

    eCall. Also in 2011, the European Union finally mandated eCall, the emergency call system in automobiles that sends vehicle position to emergency services after a crash. Unfortunately, the mandate is for 2015. I guess this gives them a chance to use the European satnav system Galileo, which hopefully may have something to offer hopefully by then.

    This year the Russians leapfrogged the Western Europeans and mandated their own version of eCall, known as ERA, for 2013. It will use GLONASS, the Russian satnav system, which unlike Galileo is operational now. Of course, GPS is still employed, and the real benefit today is using GLONASS plus GPS in a multi-constellation fix mode for higher reliability especially in urban areas compared to GPS alone.

    Malek-1A . Credit: Moni Malek
    Malek-2B . Credit: Moni Malek

    Emergency call in progress, triggered by SOS button in PSA Peugeot Citroen’s roof panel (bottom photo).

    At the Munich Telematics show it was clear that the Russian mandate has put wind into the telematics emergency call market’s sails. From the Russian company Cesar’s presentation, we learned that following road accidents in Russia, 14 percent of car occupants die, compared to 2 percent in the United States. Getting emergency support to the scene more quickly is critical to reducing fatalities, and on this basis Russia has got some catching up to do.

    You would think that everyone would be rushing to get more safety, and as one market research presenter said, it comes high on the user wish list. Another presenter stated that while people may desire it, they seem reluctant to pay for it at first. As an historical example, initially when people had the option of paying for airbags as an extra, it was practically never taken as an option. Now it is standard in all cars for drivers and passengers.Think about it — would you now buy a car without an airbag?

    PSA Peugeot Citroen, the big French car company, shows the way with a version of eCall in their cars that doesn’t lose money! There is a big debate about who gets called when a crash happens. Is it the public service access points (PSAPs) or third-party services (TPS). Peugeot favours the TPS model, which can filter the more common breakdown and false alarms from true crash calls to be forwarded to the emergency services at PSAPs. While eCall initially favoured PSAP, the trend seems to support Peugeot’s decision and TPS.

    The PSA eCall also does not support the so-called in-band modem, which allows crash-position data to be sent over a voice call on the eCall box by encoding the data into a speech-like signal. The modem theory is, you need to keep the voice call open to keep talking to the person in the automobile. According to PSA, apart from the issue of patents with the in-band modem, it seems that 30 percent of the data is lost, and 40 percent of the PSAPs in Germany cannot handle it.

    GPRS is the best way of sending crash-position data with SMS text message as a back-up. As for voice, most people get out of their car after an accident and do not speak on the eCall box. I guess if people are unconscious and are not able to get out of the car, they won’t speak either.

    While smartphones dominate in many areas, they have been ruled out for eCall safety apps in cars, as no one can guarantee a smartphone will work after an accident. As for crash detection, that can only work if a device is bolted down to the car frame. Only that way can you sense the high-G forces during a crash.

    Insurance. Until the mandates kick in for eCall/ERA, you can understand why an automobile manufacturer’s marketing imagery does not include one of their car crashing or breaking down. So selling the eCall feature in this mindset is hard. On the other side are guys that do have the image of helping you after a crash: the insurance companies. And true to form, the big business has become insurance telematics.

    Octo Telematics has taken a pole position in this area and had an impressive crashing-car demo that you could sit in at the show. The insurance telematics box then becomes an aftermarket product that is cross-subsidized by the insurance company. In return they receive crash data and get to monitor you to help you improve driving habits to reduce crashes.

    Malek-2 . Credit: Moni Malek
    Octo Telematics crash simulator. Show attendees were taken for a ride! The telematics box sends crash data to the insurance company to help drivers improve driving habits.

    A last word on safety: most accidents now seem to occur when people are texting while driving. Apparently when the Blackberry message service was down for three days in Dubai, there were 20 percent fewer accidents.

    Apart from eCall and insurance telematics, the other famous perennial telematic application is the connected car. As we all expected, we saw a lot of presentations on this. In simple terms, via telematics, a car is connected to the Internet. As the definition of telematics The branch of information technology that deals with long-distance transmission of computerized information, this might seem a no-brainer. But exactly how the car is connected and what value that offers constitute the two key questions for any application and market segment. Today a car buyer will almost certainly be an internet user.

    How Is It Connected? For basic telematic apps like eCall and stolen vehicle recovery, it suffices to connect to the 2G GSM/GPRS wireless network that gives worldwide coverage. Operators like Telenor offer a so called global subscriber identity module (SIM) model that supports worldwide access at a price that makes business real.

    For the so-called infotainment connectivity, the trend is 4G LTE, which offers the high data rates that the car companies dream about and flat-rate smartphone users expect. LTE is a packet mobile phone network already at Verizon and in European trial that is ideal for data. It appears that in the future, the best mobile phone network will be a combo of 4G LTE for infotainment data with 2G GSM for speech and 2G GPRS for global coverage telematic data.

    What Value Does It Offer? The blanket answer is, unless it offers a useful service, it won’t really be used. Today most connected car services drop to a poor 10–20 percent retention after the free trial period. The key is really to look for helpful services. For instance, the connected heater or rather the ability to switch your car heater remotely on in cold winters of Sweden increased Volvo connected usage 50 percent. Saving fuel in this energy conscious low CO2 emission days would seem a useful application. Couple that with a connected car, traffic information, best routes, good driving-habit rewards, social network to let you post your good driving score, and ….

    Fiat showed its eco:Drive solution, helping people save 6 percent on fuel consumption on average. That’s a start.

    At the end of the day, more efficient cars are the answer to that. Getting people to use more efficient small cars for short trips is one of the ideas behind the BMW car-sharing model. Based on the BMW One series and the Minis made by BMW, it offers a service in Munich and Berlin (I have to admit I live in Munich and haven’t tried it yet). When you register, you present your driving license and the service add an RFID. You can use this RFID as a keyless entry into a car share. Of course the cars are connected, and a smartphone app helps you find the next free car. You can pick it up and drop it off where you want. Because they are new, more efficient small cars than your average old gas guzzler, they have done a deal to get free parking in town. It costs a flat 29 cents (Euro cents) per minute to drive, which includes the fuel price. I can remember when a mobile phone call cost that much before!

    Moni Malek is CEO of ML-C MobileLocation-Company GmbH, based in Munich, Germany.