LG Electronics, Volkswagen announce plan to develop “next generation” of connected car services

LG Electronics and the Volkswagen Group yesterday announced a plan to develop what they called ''the next generation'' of connected-car services. The companies would develop technology that would allow vehicles connected to the cloud to help passengers with a growing array of services, including smart-home connection and control, messaging, infotainment, and location services.

The plan is aimed at meeting the increasing demand from drivers for an array of services related to travel, alert, entertainment and communications in their cars. The plan would combine LG's interest in smart appliances and smart-home systems with Volkswagen's vehicle platforms.

According to commentators, in the next few years, drivers would get an alert while driving their Passat that the garage door was open after dark. As one got closer to home, the house lights would brighten and the AC system would raise our lower the room temperature.

If the refrigerator detected low stock of frozen yogurt, one might receive a message to pick up stock from the grocery store on the way home.

Volkswagen and LG executives at the joint announcement mentioned categories and platforms rather than specific solutions or features.

"Volkswagen is pressing on with the digitalisation of its brands. Our focus in doing so is always on our customers, "said professor Thomas Form, head of Electronics and Vehicle Research for VW, at the official signing of the agreement.

"LG is a strong, reliable partner in the implementation of new features and one of the drivers of innovation in the networked household. "

The coming years would see the two companies focus on development of technologies that brought together the connected car and the smart home so that drivers would be able to control and monitor smart devices in their homes such as lights, security systems and domestic appliances - from out on the road.