Autonomous, connectivity and HMI activities of Western suppliers - Part 4
Valeo shows ADAS leadership, Faurecia develops Cockpit of the Future, Lear acquires Xevo
2020/10/30
- Summary
- Past ADAS platform development leads to Valeo's success
- Valeo invests in R&D facilities in India, China and France
- Valeo partners with Meituan for autonomous goods delivery concepts
- Valeo's connectivity solutions include occupant monitoring system, eCall and vehicle positioning system
- Faurecia emphasizes Cockpit of the Future theme
- Faurecia forms alliances for AI development and ADAS technologies
- Cockpit of the Future showcases new displays, infotainment and apps platforms
- Faurecia and Microsoft jointly create in-vehicle connected services
- Lear launches division for start-up investments, acquires Xevo Inc. for automotive software
Summary
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| Valeo Scala 2 lidar system |
While all three companies focus on vehicle interior development to various degrees, Valeo, Faurecia and Lear have differing strategies regarding the development of current automotive trends. Valeo emphasizes the development of ADAS technologies. From 2017 to 2019, Valeo invested EUR 500 million for the development of several technological platforms including ADAS systems such as front-facing cameras, driver monitoring systems, autonomous pods and Scala lidar systems. Due to this investment, Valeo is a leader in the ADAS market. Outside of autonomous systems, Valeo’s Comfort & Driving Assistance Systems Business Group also develops connectivity systems and AI-based technologies.
Faurecia is focused on developing the Cockpit of the Future that integrates technologies such as displays, smart controls and intelligent seating that can be individually personalized. In March 2019, Faurecia acquired Clarion and integrated its electronics capabilities into its portfolio. The newly created Faurecia Clarion Electronics division focuses on ADAS functionalities and low-speed autonomous systems, such as autonomous parking, as well as vehicle displays.
Lear focuses primarily on connectivity as its E-Systems segment portfolio includes communication and gateway modules, cybersecurity software, vehicle positioning modules, roadside infrastructure systems and various commerce and service platforms. Lear acquired Xevo Inc., a connected-car software supplier, in April 2019. In January 2019, Lear launched its Innovation Ventures Possibilities division to invest in start-ups that develop innovative technologies. Lear has also invested in venture capital firms which support mobility and technology start-ups.
This report is part of a series which highlights the activities of the largest European and U.S. automotive suppliers as related to autonomous, connectivity, mobility and HMI technology from January 2019 through July 2020. This report focuses on the activities of Valeo, Faurecia and Lear.
Other reports in the series:
Part 1: Bosch and Marelli
Part 2: Continental and Schaeffler
Part 3: ZF, Aptiv and Magna
Related Reports:
[ATZ] Autonomous Driving and AI - Risks and Opportunities (Aug. 2020)
Automotive World 2020: Robo-taxis, LiDAR, High-definition 3D map (Feb. 2020)
CES 2020: Changing the in-vehicle experience (Feb. 2020)
[VSI Labs] CES 2020 Show Report (Jan. 2020)
High-Performance Sensing Technology for Fully Autonomous Driving (Oct. 2019)
Past ADAS platform development leads to Valeo's success
Valeo's Comfort & Driving Assistance Systems Business Group is its primary business group whose operations coincide with current automotive trends excluding electromobility. Its product groups, comprising of Driving Assistance systems, Connected Cars and Intuitive Controls, focus on semi-autonomous, connectivity and HMI technologies, respectively. The Business Group had sales of EUR 3.6 billion in 2019, with organic growth of 3.5% over the previous year benefiting from its breadth of coverage across multiple automotive trends.
Valeo acknowledges that level 1 and level 2 autonomous systems are currently high-growth segments. In addition, Valeo believes there is business potential in high autonomy levels, as the average content per vehicle with autonomy levels 3 or 4 is ten times larger than the average content in an entry-level vehicle with level 1 autonomy.
Valeo invested EUR 500 million from 2017 through 2019 for the development of 12 technological platforms to expand its product portfolio in electrification and ADAS technologies. The ADAS technology platforms in this investment include front-facing cameras, driver monitoring systems, autonomous pods and Scala lidar systems. This investment has contributed towards Valeo's current leadership in the field, as 25% of all vehicles produced in 2019 were equipped with Valeo ADAS systems. From 2017 to 2019, Valeo received ADAS orders totaling EUR 11 billion.
Valeo invests in R&D facilities in India, China and France
Many of Valeo's recent investments and collaborations reinforce its focus on a wide range of technological fields. This includes a new testing facility in Navalur, India, an expansion of an R&D facility in Wuhan, China, and an agreement with BrainChip Holdings for AI-based technology development and various exhibits shown at CES 2019.
| Category | Operations |
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| Investments and acquisitions | New R&D testing facility in Navalur, Chennai Valeo invested INR 250 million to develop a test lab at its R&D hub in Navalur, Chennai. The lab will provide testing and prototype services and will enable Valeo to develop solutions for local customers. The hub currently employs more than 1,000 engineers to provide support in the areas of mechanical design, simulation, embedded software development, computer vision, machine learning, hardware and functional safety design. (From Valeo Group social media updates on March 18, 2019) |
| Expansion of Wuhan Technology Center On October 4, 2019, Valeo Wuhan Technology Center completed its second phase of expansion, adding 3,000 square meters. The center focuses on the research and development of lighting technology, comfort and drive assist systems. The plant is Valeo's largest research and development center and has more than 1,000 engineers. (From media reports on October 15, 2019) |
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| Collaborations and joint efforts | Joint development agreement with BrainChip Holdings SoC BrainChip Holdings Ltd signed a joint development agreement with Valeo to develop technologies based on AI, utilizing BrainChip's Akida neuromorphic SoC. The Akida neural processor's high performance and ultra-low power consumption enables smart sensor integration by solving power and footprint challenges. (From a press release on June 8, 2020) |
| French innovation fund for future technologies Under the measures announced by the French government, the government will create an innovation fund with an annual budget of EUR 150 million, enabling Valeo to develop technologies in France in areas such as vehicle electrification, power electronics, thermal battery management, AI, data fusion, autonomy, connectivity, and active lighting. (From a press release on May 26, 2020) |
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| Development of Center of Excellence with Vellore Institute of Technology Valeo has set up a Center of Excellence at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). Valeo has previously initiated joint research projects on emerging technologies with VIT. The facility exposes students to current and future automotive trends and will be utilized by research scholars and students for experimentation and testing of projects and studies. (From VIT news on June 25, 2019) |
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| Exhibitions | Technologies shown at CES 2019 At CES 2019, Valeo will unveil its latest technological innovations. Valeo will present Valeo Drive4U, its first autonomous car, which can perform driving operations using series-produced Valeo sensors and AI. The Valeo Voyage XR system can virtually transport a person into a vehicle. Valeo will also show its XtraVue Trailer, which makes the trailer invisible in the rearview mirror, providing the driver with a clear line of sight. (From a press release on January 7, 2019) |
Valeo partners with Meituan for autonomous goods delivery concepts
As a leader in ADAS systems, Valeo's recent autonomous technology development includes a substantial amount of focus on non-passenger transportation applications. Valeo formed a partnership with Meituan for last-mile autonomous delivery services and developed eDeliver4U, an autonomous goods delivery droid.
| Category | Operations |
|---|---|
| Investments and acquisitions | Investment in R&D center in Tuam, Ireland Valeo will invest EUR 44 million in a major R&D program in Tuam to expand its capability in ADAS technologies. This investment will create 50 new positions through 2022. Valeo's R&D center in Tuam is its worldwide reference center for vision systems. The site includes a Center of Excellence and a production facility for the development and manufacturing of camera vision systems. (From IDA Ireland press release on March 13, 2019) |
| Construction of Ibaraki ADAS Development Test Center Valeo will construct the Ibaraki Advanced Driver Assistance System Development Test Center in Namegata, Japan. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2019 and complete in November 2020. Valeo will increase the number of engineers in ADAS development from 130 to 180 in 2021. The new center will have a 600-meter circuit track with a maximum straight line of 300 meters and an NCAP crash test area. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on January 23, 2019) |
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| Collaborations and joint efforts | Participation in SIP-adus automated driving innovation program Valeo Japan will participate in the second phase of the strategic innovation promotion program SIP-adus (Automated Driving for Universal Service) led by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan. The program aims to solve societal mobility problems by reducing traffic accidents, securing individual mobility, alleviating driver shortages and reducing costs. Valeo will report data and analysis results on its Cruise4U automated driving system which will operate on Metropolitan Expressway routes in the Tokyo waterfront area. (From a press release on June 13, 2019) |
| Strategic partnership with Meituan for last-mile autonomous delivery technology Valeo entered into a strategic partnership with Meituan, a Chinese web service provider, for autonomous last-mile delivery technology. The two companies will develop vehicles for autonomous last-mile delivery of goods from a transportation hub to a destination. The partnership will combine Meituan's autonomous technology with Valeo's electric motors, sensors, lighting, thermal management, and other core systems. (From a post on Valeo WeChat official account on January 9, 2019) |
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| Partnership with Mobileye to develop new autonomous safety standard Valeo signed a partnership agreement with Mobileye to develop and promote a new autonomous safety standard based on Mobileye's mathematical model, Responsibility-Sensitive Safety (RSS). RSS formalizes human notions of safe driving into a model with provable rules and defined responses. The partnership will draft frameworks for the verification and deployment of autonomous vehicles, fund public research on RSS, contribute to draft standards and participate in committees in standards organizations. (From a press release on January 8, 2019) |
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| Contracts | Camera for new Honda Sensing ADAS on Fit The Honda Sensing ADAS system incorporated in the all-new Fit, will change to a camera-only system from Valeo from the current system combining a camera and millimeter-wave radar from Bosch. The camera has a 100-degree detection angle and offers improved image recognition accuracy due to a Mobileye image processing chip. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on Wednesday, November 27, 2019) |
| Exhibitions | Valeo eDeliver4U autonomous electric delivery droid concept Valeo will present its autonomous, electric, food delivery droid prototype developed jointly with Meituan Dianping, Valeo eDeliver4U, at CES 2020. The droid can deliver up to 17 meals per trip, and autonomously navigate complex urban environments at 12 km/h. It has a range of approximately 100 km and is equipped with four Scala lidars, a front camera, two fisheye cameras, two radar devices and six ultrasonic sensors. The electrified chassis features a Valeo 48V motor and 48V inverter. (From a press release on January 5, 2020) |
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| Honda Fit | Valeo eDeliver4U autonomous delivery droid Source: Valeo |
Valeo's connectivity solutions include occupant monitoring system, eCall and vehicle positioning system
Valeo has developed a variety of connectivity systems including a passenger monitoring system which measures mental and emotional states, a mobility solution that enables fleet managers to let their vehicles be used for self-service car-sharing applications, the Valeo Rescuer eCall system, the Valeo Drive4U Remote system that enables remote vehicle control, and a telematics platform with V2X capabilities.
| Category | Operations |
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| Collaborations and joint efforts | Partnership with Sensum for onboard evaluation system Sensum has partnered with Valeo to develop an onboard evaluation system to interact with passengers and understand their needs. The system monitors fatigue and distraction levels, and promotes comfort and wellbeing. The system measures each passenger's physiological and emotional profile to provide a customized multisensory bubble, adjusting light, fragrances, sounds and thermal sensations. The cabin uses Sensum's empathic AI technology to process data from sensors that detect physiological changes. (From a press release on May 23, 2019) |
| Mov'InBlue connected shared mobility solution Mov'InBlue, a smart digital mobility solution created by Valeo, Capgemini and Drivy, Europe's leading car-sharing platform, launched a connected and interoperable shared mobility solution. With the solution, fleet managers can make their vehicles available for Drivy's self-service car-sharing service, which has a community of 2.5 million users. This enables fleet managers to optimize vehicle use and gain another revenue source. (From a press release on January 4, 2019) |
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| New technologies | Valeo Rescuer eCall system for European standards Valeo will launch Valeo Rescuer in the coming months, the first eCall system to comply with European standards. Valeo Rescuer automatically detects accidents, geolocates the vehicle, transmits identification data, contacts a support platform for the driver and can call emergency services in under 95 seconds if necessary. It also includes a breakdown assistance service. (From a press release on March 26, 2020) |
| Exhibitions | High-Precision Positioning technology with Hyundai and Hexagon at CES 2020 At CES 2020, Valeo will present a new technology with Hyundai and Hexagon's Positioning Intelligence Division called High-Precision Positioning (HPP), which is capable of determining a vehicle's exact location. HPP will be shown on the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata. HPP uses TerraStar X technology to apply a correction to the GPS signal determined by a network of stationary receivers that serve as permanent reference points. (From a press release on January 5, 2020) |
| Valeo Drive4U Remote vehicle control system at Tokyo Motor Show Valeo will demonstrate its new Valeo Drive4U Remote solution at the Tokyo Motor Show. Drive4U Remote allows operators to see the environment around the vehicle and remotely take control if the vehicle is unable to manage a situation. The teleoperation demonstration of Valeo Drive4U Remote utilizes a 5G network from NTT Docomo. (From a press release on October 15, 2019) |
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| Telematics platform with V2X capabilities developed with Autotalks Valeo and Autotalks will display global V2X capabilities integrated in a telematics platform at CES 2019. The demonstration will show a Valeo telematics platform capable of switching between DSRC and C-V2X. Autotalks' V2X chipset is the first solution which supports both DSRC based on 802.11p/ITS-G5 standards and C-V2X based on 3GPP specifications. (From a press release on January 3, 2019) |
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| Occupant health and well-being experience demonstration | Valeo Drive4U Remote Source: Valeo |
Faurecia emphasizes Cockpit of the Future theme
Faurecia's focus in mobility innovation consists of two themes, the Cockpit of the Future and Sustainable Mobility. The Cockpit of the Future highlights how the vehicle's cabin will change based on the trends of autonomy, connectivity, electrification and mobility. Faurecia expects that the Cockpit of the Future will provide a more flexible, predictive and connected environment designed to personalize the traveling experience.
In April 2019, Faurecia launched its fourth business unit, Faurecia Clarion Electronics, integrating the previously acquired Clarion. Faurecia Clarion Electronics combines Clarion with Faurecia's previous acquisitions of Parrot Automotive and Coagent Electronics. The business unit focuses on developing and manufacturing smart cockpit electronics, integrating software and developing low-speed ADAS technologies. In March 2020, Faurecia Clarion Electronics announced plans to strengthen its research and development in automotive infotainment.
Both Faurecia's Interiors and Faurecia Clarion Electronics business units contribute in developing intuitive HMI for the Cockpit of the Future. Future HMI systems include voice-activated controls, adaptive displays that shift as the vehicle transitions to autonomous mode, and smart control systems that can integrate to a smartphone.
Faurecia forms alliances for AI development and ADAS technologies
While most of Faurecia's development in automotive trends outside of electromobility is focused on the Cockpit of the Future, it is also engaged in other activities including AI development and various autonomous and ADAS systems through Faurecia Clarion Electronics.
| Category | Operations |
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| Investments and acquisitions | Establishment of Faurecia Clarion Electronics R&D Headquarters in Chongqing Faurecia established Faurecia Clarion Electronics Chongqing R&D Headquarters in Chongqing, China. Faurecia invested CNY 450 million in the center, its first R&D facility with an independent legal entity status in China. The facility will develop systems including onboard entertainment systems, displays, immersive acoustic systems and ADAS systems. The facility is expected to have 200 employees by 2025. (From various media sources dated May 15, 2020) |
| Collaborations and joint efforts | Strategic alliance with Beijing Horizon Robotics Technology Faurecia has signed a framework agreement for strategic cooperation with Beijing Horizon Robotics Technology R&D Co., Ltd. (Horizon Robotics). The companies will work together to develop AI solutions based on multimodal perception technologies and promote the commercial application of intelligent cockpit systems and ADAS technologies. (From a Faurecia website press release on January 12, 2020) |
| Strategic alliance with Allwinner Technology Faurecia (China) Holding Co., Ltd. and Allwinner Technology Co., Ltd. signed a strategic alliance agreement for joint development of the intelligent cockpit. They will co-develop made-to-order chips for Internet-of-Vehicles, virtual reality, and ADAS systems. (From media reports on November 11, 2019) |
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| Exhibitions | Technologies shown at CES 2020 At CES 2020, Faurecia will present a redesigned Ford F-150 pick-up truck interior, showcasing scalable and upgradable hardware and software solutions that provide a connected, versatile and personalized interior. It will also present e-mirror technology with integrated interior displays which improve fuel economy and safety. Faurecia will also demonstrate vehicles with Faurecia Clarion's ADAS systems, enabling functions such as autonomous pickup, valet parking, autonomous driving, and trailer assist. (From a press release on November 14, 2019) |
| Technologies shown at Tokyo Motor Show Faurecia will present technologies for the Cockpit of the Future with Faurecia Clarion Electronics at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. It will present a multi-view HMI interface that eliminates confusing menu structures and gives more flexibility in managing in-vehicle features. Faurecia will also show an autonomous pickup solution. (From a press release on October 23, 2019) |
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| Multi-view HMI system | Phone screen showing operation of long-range summon autonomous pickup solution |
Cockpit of the Future showcases new displays, infotainment and apps platforms
Faurecia's HMI development activities include new in-vehicle displays and display technologies, the creation of an in-vehicle apps solution for the Android operating system and a Safe Human Interaction Cockpit concept developed with ZF and fka.
| Category | Operations |
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| Investments and acquisitions | Acquisition of IRYStec Software Faurecia acquired Canadian start-up IRYStec Software. IRYStec developed the world's first software platform which uses perception and physiology to optimize the display. The software solution optimizes the display based on the driver's gaze and the ambient light, improving perceived brightness and contrast by up to 30% while improving energy and thermal efficiency by 30%. The solution will be launched in late 2020. (From a press release on July 1, 2020) |
| Collaborations and joint efforts | Joint venture with Changchun Xuyang Industry Faurecia formed a new joint venture with Changchun Xuyang Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., furthering the strategic cooperation between Faurecia and Xuyang Group. The joint venture will be engaged in the production and sales of automotive display products, reinforcing Faurecia's Cockpit of the Future strategy. (From a press release on April 24, 2020) |
| Joint venture with Aptoide for Android automotive apps solution Faurecia and Aptoide created a 50:50 joint venture to develop and operate Android app store solutions for the automotive market. This joint venture provides an affordable and secure automotive apps market, available worldwide with adaptable content per region and an integrated secure payment mechanism. (From a press release on November 5, 2019) |
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| Safe Human Interaction Cockpit concept developed with ZF and fka ZF has developed the Safe Human Interaction Cockpit (SHI cockpit) with Faurecia and fka, highlighting interactions between the driver and vehicle. The SHI Cockpit advises when automated driving is permitted, letting the vehicle take control when the driver releases the steering wheel, and gives the driver advance warning to retake control when needed. A 3D interior camera measures the driver's height and adjusts the seat and steering wheel accordingly. A Head-Up Display Instrument Cluster gives a bird's-eye view of the vehicle. The Active Vehicle Aura shows the effective networking and sensitivity of all assistance systems. (From a press release on September 12, 2019) |
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| Partnership with Japan Display Faurecia and Japan Display Inc. (JDI) announced a partnership to enhance the in-vehicle experience. Faurecia and JDI will cooperate on the development and integration of large displays in automotive interiors across various use cases. At CES 2019, Faurecia and JDI debuted a 32.1-inch 6K display integrated into an instrument panel. (From a press release on February 26, 2019) |
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| New technologies | Clarion enters large display business Clarion Co., Ltd., will officially enter the large display business. Clarion intends to sell large displays to automakers, utilizing the resources of its group companies that have panel processing technology. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on April 6, 2020) |
| Consolidation of Clarion's in-vehicle infotainment platforms Faurecia Clarion Electronics will consolidate its in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) platforms, reducing its platforms by about half from 15. The platforms will be organized into three groups, each with Linux and Android versions: high-end, middle-end, and entry. High-end IVI platforms will primarily be managed by Parrot Faurecia Automotive, middle-end by Clarion, and entry-level by Coagent Electronics. Coagent Electronics will also offer platforms for the Chinese market. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on July 22, 2019) |
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| Contracts | Aptoide app software solution for VW Brazil vehicles Volkswagen Brazil has selected Aptoide's app software solution for major VW vehicles. Starting from July 2020, the Faurecia Aptoide Automotive joint venture will provide VW Latin America customers with VW Play, a connected user experience interface. VW Play provides hundreds of apps covering applications such as navigation, music, video, points of interest and weather through an intuitive and personalized HMI. The Aptoide platform enables automatic updates and has an integrated and secure payment mechanism. (From a press release on June 24, 2020) |
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| Safe Human Interaction Cockpit developed with ZF and fka | Faurecia Clarion in-vehicle infotainment system displays |
Faurecia and Microsoft jointly create in-vehicle connected services
Faurecia's activities in automotive connectivity help the Cockpit of the Future, with platforms that provide in-vehicle services or by providing protection from external attacks through cybersecurity development.
| Category | Operations |
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| Investments and acquisitions | Opening cybersecurity technology center in Tel Aviv, Israel Faurecia opened a technology platform in Tel Aviv, Israel, to accelerate its cybersecurity strategy. Faurecia will develop its cybersecurity expertise through collaboration with local start-ups and innovation drivers. The new technology platform will enhance Faurecia's capabilities with penetration testing experts analyzing potential vulnerabilities. (From a press release on October 3, 2019) |
| Capital investment in GuardKnox cybersecurity provider Faurecia announced an investment in GuardKnox, an Israeli automotive cybersecurity provider, to reinforce data security in the connected vehicle. GuardKnox provides comprehensive cyber defense in hardware and software for connected and autonomous vehicles. (From a press release on May 27, 2019) |
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| Collaborations and joint efforts | Joining the eSync Alliance Faurecia joined the eSync Alliance, a multi-company initiative for end-to-end OTA updates and data services for the connected vehicle. The Alliance is based around eSync, a multi-vendor OTA platform of server and embedded software, which provides a secure bi-directional data pipeline between the cloud and electronic vehicle devices. (From a press release on March 17, 2020) |
| Strategic partnership with Microsoft for in-vehicle service development Microsoft and Faurecia announced a partnership to create connected and personalized services for the Cockpit of the Future. Combining expertise in edge-computing, AI, cloud-based services, cockpit systems integration and consumer insights, Faurecia will collaborate with Microsoft to develop digital services based on the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform. Faurecia has also chosen Microsoft Cloud Azure as its preferred cloud platform. (From a press release on July 22, 2019) |
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| Collaboration with Accenture and Affectiva for Connected Car Lab digital development Accenture, Faurecia and Affectiva are collaborating to innovate driver safety and in-car infotainment. The Connected Car Lab is a digital product and service innovation environment that fits into a car to enable application development and testing. The Connected Car Lab, developed with Accenture Industry X.0, features a connected vehicle platform that gathers data on driver behavior and conditions both inside and outside the vehicle. It leverages Affectiva's Automotive AI to monitor an occupant's emotional and cognitive state. (From a press release on June 5, 2019) |
Lear launches division for start-up investments, acquires Xevo Inc. for automotive software
In January 2019, Lear launched its Lear Innovation Ventures Possibilities division, an entity which invests in start-ups and works with accelerators and incubators to discover and develop new technologies and avenues of innovation. Lear is utilizing a strategy of combining targeted acquisitions and investments of companies and startups along with internal development, as it has also launched an investment device to fund internal innovations.
Lear has aligned its E-Systems segment with the industry trends of autonomy, connectivity, electrification and shared mobility. The segment's portfolio includes connectivity hardware and software systems, body control modules, gateway modules, cybersecurity expertise, and software and services for the cloud, vehicles and mobile devices to enable e-commerce. As Lear believes that the E-Systems segment has much more potential for growth in short- and medium-term compared to its Seating segment, it has recently focused on strengthening the segment. Lear is aiming to reach USD 8.0 billion in E-Systems sales by 2025, an increase of 70% from the segment's sales of USD 4.7 billion in 2019.
| Category | Operations |
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| Investments and acquisitions | Investment in venture capital firm Autotech Ventures to support mobility start-ups Lear has invested in venture capital firm Autotech Ventures to support startups deploying revolutionary mobility technologies. The investment is being made through Lear Innovation Ventures (LIV). Autotech Ventures' portfolio and investing activities are largely focused on software, services and electronics start-ups that enable connected, autonomous, energy-efficient vehicles and services. (From a press release on January 7, 2020) |
| Acquisition of Xevo, an automotive software supplier Lear has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Xevo Inc., a leading automotive software supplier. Lear will acquire all the outstanding shares of Xevo for USD 320 million through debt financing and complete the transaction in the second quarter of 2019. Xevo's Journeyware suite of products connects drivers and vehicles to mobile content. Xevo Market is a merchant-to-driver platform which connects customers with brands by delivering contextual offers through their vehicles or mobile apps. (From a press release on April 2, 2019) |
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| Investment in venture capital firm Maniv Mobility focused on emerging automotive start-ups Lear has invested in an Israeli venture capital fund managed by Maniv Mobility that focuses on advancing mobility technology. The investment was made through Lear Innovation Ventures. Maniv Mobility's portfolio and investing activities are focused on Israeli start-ups in the connected, autonomous, ridesharing and mobility sectors. (From a press release on March 11, 2019) |
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| Collaboration and joint efforts | Addition of CARMERA to EXO Technology Partnership Program Lear has signed CARMERA, a leader in real-time, HD maps for autonomous mobility, as a partner in its EXO Technology Partnership Program. Lear's EXO vehicle positioning technology is a proprietary GNSS solution that provides accurate, near-instant positioning. Lear will test EXO alongside CARMERA's HD maps to establish a baseline for future development of CARMERA's camera-based localization integrated with EXO GNSS. The EXO Technology Partnership Program provides automotive-grade solutions for V2X and level 2 and 3 autonomous driving features. (From a press release on May 29, 2019) |
| Addition of Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center to EXO Technology Partnership Program Lear has signed Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) as its first partner in its EXO Technology Partnership Program. EXO vehicle positioning technology enables autonomous solutions by working with automotive GNSS receivers to deliver fast, centimeter-level accuracy. HATCI will utilize the complete EXO solution, with full access to electronic hardware, on-vehicle sensor fusion software and the cloud-based EXO correction service. The EXO Technology Partnership Program provides automotive-grade solutions for V2X and level 2 and 3 autonomous driving features. (From a press release on January 9, 2019) |
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| Contracts | Xevo partnership with Hyundai to provide Xevo Market service platform Xevo has partnered with Hyundai Motor Company to provide the Xevo Market platform for Hyundai vehicles in the U.S. and Europe. Xevo Market is a merchant-to-user interaction platform that allows customers to engage with brands and services through an easy-to-use interface. Offerings include fuel, parking, and dining, as well as a secure digital payment option. Xevo Market helps merchants increase loyalty program adoption and enables the promotion of featured products. Xevo Market also leverages real-time interaction data to create a personalized experience. (From a press release on September 5, 2019) |
| Integration of intelligent INTU seating system in Rinspeed microSNAP concept Lear announced a collaboration to integrate its INTU comfort and wellness seating system into Rinspeed's microSNAP autonomous concept vehicle. Lear's INTU system comprises a suite of intelligent technologies. BioBridge is a smart, non-intrusive biosensing technology that uses RF sensing to detect stress and drowsiness through heart and respiratory rates, and then correspondingly activates heat and massage treatments. ProActive Comfort intelligent seat adjustment technology enables customized preset seating positions. (From a press release on January 7, 2019) |
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| Sample Xevo in-vehicle payment screen at gas station Source: Hyundai |
Rinspeed microSNAP interior |
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Keywords
Valeo, Faurecia, Lear, Autonomous, Connected, Mobility, AI, CASE, Cybersecurity, HMI, Infotainment, Camera, Delivery Vehicles, Display, Driver Monitoring System, eCall, GNSS, HD Map, Lidar, Radar, Software
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