auto connected car news 
In connected car news are, Starlink, THOR, Platform Science, Peterbilt, AESC & Porsche.
In this Article
In this Article
THOR Industries (THO) announced it has entered into an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to integrate flat high-performance Starlinks, which provide high-speed, low-latency internet even while in motion, into select motorized RVs in the United States across the THOR family of companies in 2023. THOR will also explore opportunities to bring Starlink’s innovative connectivity solutions to additional RVs made by their operating companies. The THOR family of companies are the first RV Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to work directly with Starlink to integrate flat high-performance Starlinks. Flat high-performance Starlinks will initially be available as optional equipment in select motorized RVs manufactured by four THOR companies: Airstream, Entegra Coach, Jayco and Tiffin. All factory installed, high-performance Starlinks will be eligible for a one-month service credit after the initial month of activation.
Reliable, robust internet connectivity is a top priority for today’s RV owners. When RV owners across the US and Canada were surveyed about the importance of new connected features and services as part of THOR Industries’ North American Path to Purchase Study, 74% indicated that “integrated high-speed internet and Wi-Fi networks” are extremely or very important for future RV purchases.
Developed by SpaceX, Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet around the world. With satellites positioned in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 550 km, over 65 times closer than conventional geostationary satellites, Starlink achieves significantly lower latency and higher transmission speeds for its end users. Starlink began offering service two years ago, and this fall the company introduced flat high-performance Starlinks, which provide high-speed, low-latency internet while in-motion on land.
Peterbilt announced that it will develop a new ecosystem of connected products for its industry-leading vehicles. The initiative will be under the umbrella of the cooperation agreement recently signed between Platform Science, Inc. and Peterbilt parent company PACCAR Inc.
The new services will leverage Platform Science’s Virtual Vehicle™ platform which enables customers to access fleet management functionality, ELD capabilities, truck-specific navigation and third-party applications directly from their vehicles.
Peterbilt leverages technology and innovation, and will jointly build this industry-leading ecosystem to take our connectivity services to the next level. “Today’s customers demand the highest level of uptime and complete integration with their existing fleet management solution” commented Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “SmartLINQ and the PACCAR Solutions portal have provided a solid foundation to build this next-generation solution” Skoog added.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (hereinafter, ‘the Alliance’), the nation’s largest automobile association in the U.S., announces that Envision AESC has become the new member of it with BASF, LG Energy Solution, McLaren Automotive, and Qualcomm, jointly to drive innovation advancement that helps guide the industry’s transition for a cleaner, safer, and smarter future.
Japan-based AESC, is recognized by the Alliance as a global leading battery technology company with a strong commitment to investment as part of its growing footprint in the U.S.. In 2022, Envision AESC announced to build two gigafactories in Kentucky and South Carolina, to provide advanced battery solutions for BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz and other leading automotive manufacturers. Together with the existing plant in Tennessee, the company is committed to achieving a total output of 70 GWh/year in the U.S., helping accelerate the country’s transition to electric vehicles. As a world-leading pioneer in advanced battery technology, AESC is on track to achieve global battery manufacturing capacity of 300 GWh by 2026, powered by net-zero energy.
Founded in 2020, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation is comprised of the manufacturers producing nearly 98% of new cars and light trucks sold in the U.S., including BMW Group, BOSCH, Ford, GM Motors and Volvo. It also includes motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, technology and other automotive-related companies and trade associations.///
Porsche Classic is expanding its state-of-the-art infotainment for modern Porsche classic cars.
Since 2020, Porsche Classic has offered two infotainment systems for many of the brand’s vintage and modern classic cars with Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) and Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus). Among other features, these retrofitted devices enable the use of Apple CarPlay (from iPhone 5) and Android Auto™ for media playback, navigation and for making phone calls. A corresponding product range is now available, with immediate effect, for the sixth-generation 911 generation 997 for model years 2005 to 2008, the early Boxster and Cayman generation 987 for model years 2005 to 2008 and the first-generation Cayenne for model years 2003 to 2008. For the first time, Porsche is also offering specific devices for different regions.
The Porsche models named above were already equipped with a second-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) in 2 DIN format on request. The new PCCM Plus replaces these original built-in devices perfectly, as well as the CD radio CDR 23 (Cayenne) and the CD radio CDR 24 (Boxster/Cayman). Its look and feel are based on the components already installed in the car, such as the climate control panel or the push buttons. The PCCM Plus therefore integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The Porsche logo immediately identifies the devices as developed by Porsche. Peripheral components such as amplifier, speakers or antenna can be used as before. The navigation displays in the instrument cluster also continue to be supported.
Regional versions available
The PCCM Plus equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen with a state-of-the-art graphical display. DAB+ enables the reception of digital radio stations with the European version, while the version for the USA and Canada is programmed for the SiriusXM® satellite radio. The driver is provided with the latest on-board navigation with Points of Interest (POI) specific to Porsche displayed in 2D or 3D. Map updates will be offered for this at regular intervals in the future. Media playback is possible via USB stick, Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay (from iPhone 5) and Android Auto™. Another function is the trip computer which provides lots of useful driving data. In the 911, the Boxster and the Cayman, personal settings for the car can also be stored. Depending on the vehicle equipment, this memory function can be used for the lights, the windscreen wipers, the climate control and the locking.
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