OREANDA-NEWS. The Volkswagen Group and LG Electronics have signed a memorandum of understanding on joint research and development of a next-generation connected car service platform.

Going forward, the two companies will work together on Volkswagen's Cross-Over-Platform, which is aimed at enhanced vehicle connectivity and convenience. Using the latest in cloud technology, it will offer drivers seamless digital access to extensive features such as smart home and location-based services.

Over the coming years, the two companies will be concentrating on:

• Developing technologies that bring together the connected car and the smart home
   so that drivers are able to control and monitor smart devices in their homes —
   such as lights, security systems and domestic appliances — from out on the road.

• Developing a context-sensitive notification centre that can deliver messages in an
   intuitive and safe manner and provide optimised recommendations to the driver in
   real time.

• Developing next-generation infotainment technology for connected cars.

Key LG Electronics executives present at the signing at Volkswagen Group headquarters included Richard Choi, Head of LG Cloud Center, and Lee Sang-yong, Head of LG Vehicle Infotainment System Research Lab. Representing Volkswagen were Prof. Thomas Form, Head of Electronics and Vehicle Research, and Robert Kattner, Head of Vehicle Information Systems, both of the Group Research Division.

"Volkswagen is pressing on with the digitalisation of its brands. 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," said Form at the official signing of the agreement.

"LG Electronics and Volkswagen are teaming up to develop the next generation of connected car platform that allows wide integration with smart home services and adoption of open IoT connectivity technologies," said Richard Choi. "We think LG's expertise in smart technology together with Volkswagen's leadership in the automotive sector will revolutionise the way drivers interact with their vehicles."