In-Car Technologies The
In-Car Technologies The Sound Of In-Car Innovation Pioneer tunes into the future with App Radio by Jo Stephens The Pioneer brand has historically been associated with sound reproduction — a tradition that as recently found new expression in the Japanese company’s state-of-the-art in-car systems. Pioneer Europe marketing manager Erik de Rouck explains the thinking behind the new App Radio, which is creating a buzz at IFA… The App Radio is a very exciting device. It offers consumers the best of both worlds, because you get to have the apps from your iPhone — Google Maps, say, or your contacts — on your car radio. So you get the complete smartphone experience in your car. We are also showcasing a 6.1-inch double DIN screen, which is considerably larger than a phone screen. What are your strongest products in Europe at the moment? Car electronics form the biggest part of our total business, and we are aiming to expand that share with the App Radio. In terms of home entertainment, we are also introducing multifunctional iPod speaker systems with multi-room possibilities using your home network, and launching our Steez: Dancer Audio to the international market. What are your current priorities? We are focusing on both incar electronics — where the recent alliances made by our president Susumu Kotani’s team are also benefiting the European operation — and our home business, where we are concentrating on quality sound, because we have identified a real lack of good sound among flatscreen TVs. While in the past our home business was focused on music and the whole sound side of the home, our slogan is now: ‘wherever, whenever you want to experience the music’. The message is that you can enjoy Pioneer quality anywhere and everywhere. Hall 1.2 Stand 144 Erik de Rouck Pioneer Europe marketing manager “You can enjoy Pioneer quality anywhere and everywhere” Ford in Sync With In-Car Technology The next generation of smart cars is just around the corner Paul Mascarenas Ford's Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Research and Advanced Engineering The cutting-edge incar technology that Ford is rolling out at IFA for the European market incorporates a full spectrum of userfriendly technologies designed to transform the driving experience. "This is an exciting time for Ford," said Paul Mascarenas, Ford's Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Research and Advanced Engineering. "This is the first time that a full technical story has been applied to differentiate our cars by providing added value." The SYNC system, which launches in the Ford Focus in Europe in 2012, features a fully integrated, voicecontrolled communications and in-car entertainment system. In terms of the benefits to the driver, Mascarenas cited in-vehicle connectivity with mobile devices through Bluetooth and USB, and voice and touch-screen control for music, phone calls and texts, “all designed to be operated in a simple, intuitive and, above all, safe way, so that the driver can concentrate on driving”. He also pointed to the automated emergencyassistance service that dials 112 in the local language and is free of charge. “Finally there is MyKey, which permits parents to preset maximum speed and audio volume to encourage safer driving from their teenage children,” Mascarenas added. Several technology partners, including Gracenote, Microsoft, NAVTEQ, Nuance Communications, Sony Corporation, TeleNav and ViaMichelin, are helping Ford to develop these systems. “We chose our technology partners to complement our goals of great design and high quality,” Mascarenas said. So what can we expect from the next-generation of Ford smart cars? According to Mascarenas, the Ford Evos, a concept car with a stunning futuristic design, offers a glimpse of the future: “Evos uses our new 'Energi' petrol/electric power split, which offers a combined 800km range. It’s a visionary car that is permanently connected to the cloud, giving the driver a seamless experience between home and destination. It intuitively learns driver preferences and manages and adapts to the driver’s stress levels through a cardiac monitor. Once our customers have tried it, we hope they will never want to drive anything else." Hall 2.2 Stand 102 www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Saturday 3 rd & Sunday 4 th September 2011 35
