Continental AG, one of the world's largest automotive parts
makers, has picked a Google Inc. self-driving-car executive to lead
a new Silicon Valley-based operation aimed at intelligent
transportation efforts.
The company said it has hired Seval Oz, an expert in vehicle
networking and automation who worked on Google's self-driving car
project. She will lead a group of engineers and businesspeople at a
new Intelligent Transportation Systems division in the Bay
Area.
The next frontier for automobiles is hardware and software that
can take control of vehicles for short periods. Most car makers
already are working on some sort of autonomous vehicle application,
from basic levels where a car's computer can pull the car back onto
the road when it veers or stop the car to avoid hitting another
vehicle, to more complex systems that can drive from point A to
point B.
Already, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz is offering a system in its
S550 sedan that can virtually do all operations as long as the
driver's hands remain on the wheel. Tesla Motors Inc. has said it
is planning to be the first car maker to have a fully self-driving
car on the market.
"This step is an excellent example of our strategy to make the
car an integral part of the "Internet of Everything'," said Elmar
Degenhart, chief executive officer of Continental, in a statement.
"Our key objectives include eliminating road accidents, minimizing
energy consumption, maximizing comfort and usability of vehicles,
and enabling them to exchange information with each other in
real-time," he added.
Suppliers such as Continental are rushing to provide technology
in this space because they can charge a premium versus more
commodity-driven parts in areas of the vehicle.
The move is another example of the convergence of Detroit and
Silicon Valley with smartphone-based technology already pervading
vehicles' cabins and companies such as Apple Inc. and Google
fighting over creating platforms for the applications that appear
in new vehicles.
"In addition to our existing competence, the Bay Area has the
technology and talent for developing connected cars and
[intelligent transportation systems] that we need to build
solutions for more than just prototypes," said Helmut Matschi, a
member of Continental's executive board and president of the
Interior Division.
Companies such as BMW AG have had research centers in Silicon
Valley for years, and many other auto makers have followed, trying
to tap into the region's talent.
Write to Mike Ramsey at michael.ramsey@wsj.com
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires