Connected cars to have record presence at Consumer Electronics Show

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced that a record nine automotive manufacturers will exhibit at the upcoming 2014 International CES (R). Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes and Toyota will showcase their latest technologies among an enhanced lineup of automotive technology exhibits, TechZones and conference sessions. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2014 CES, the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, will run Jan. 7 to 10, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"As the car has become more connected and consumers demand increased interaction between their mobile devices and their car, we have seen the number of auto manufactures at the International CES rise year after year," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "CES touches every corner of the consumer technology economy, from digital health to automotive. We can't wait to welcome a record number of automotive manufacturers to the 2014 CES."

CEA industry forecasts predict sales of factory-installed vehicle technologies will increase by nearly 20 percent in 2014 to $11 billion. Connected systems, like OnStar and Ford SYNC, offer infotainment, communication, safety and driver assistance solutions and services. CEA consumer research shows approximately 17 percent of U.S. households now own a vehicle with a connected communication and safety system. CEA expects this figure to rise quickly in the coming years as car companies make these solutions available across more models.

Automotive exhibits at the 2014 CES will cover more than 140,000 net square feet of exhibit space, up 25 percent over the 2013 event. More than 125 total automotive tech companies, including Delphi, Dual Electronics, JVC Kenwood, Mitek, Pioneer, and QNX, will showcase their latest automotive technologies and services on the 2014 CES show floor.

Highlighting automotive technology at the 2014 CES, Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management, Audi AG, will deliver a Tech Titans keynote address at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6 in the Cosmopolitan's Chelsea Theater. Stadler will discuss connectivity, autonomous driving technologies and other rapidly evolving innovations in the automotive industry. Audi Night at CES will immediately follow from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Chelsea.

The 2014 CES will feature show floor areas dedicated to today's latest automotive technology. The GoElectricDrive TechZone, sponsored by the Electric Drive Transportation Association in the North Hall of the LVCC, is a dynamic showcase of electric drive technologies, products and services. Electric vehicles and their associated charge stations - for homes, condominiums, public facilities - and a range of electric mobility products and services can be found in this thriving area of the show floor. New for 2014, attendees will also experience the first-ever, all-electric BMW i3 at CES, featuring ConnectedDrive, which provides innovative mobility services such as a dynamic range map and the BMW i remote app. BMW's i3 at CES will be located in the Silver Plaza, an outdoor show floor area across from the LVCC South Hall.

Three key CES conference sessions will focus on automotive electronics:

• Just Around the Bend: How Technology will Change Driving: The dashboard revolution is heating up and the road to self-driving cars is lined with technology we couldn't have imagined 10 years ago. From safe-driving sensors to voice and gesture controlled infotainment systems to heads-up displays with augmented-reality overlays and more. Gurus of car tech reveal which technologies are redefining driving's future.
• Connect2Car: If You're Not Connecting, You're Interrupting: Connected vehicles are quickly becoming part of the contemporary driving experience. Technologies and innovations are emerging from both automotive and consumer electronics companies, as well as aftermarket and new, non-endemic players. The challenge remains on how effectively systems, apps, content and context get installed, upgraded and integrated into vehicles and consumer lifestyles.
• Collaborate Or Die: Once carmakers demanded their suppliers "open the box" of in-vehicle infotainment "head units," the way IVI software is developed has changed completely. Formerly bitter rivals now must work together on the increasing complex IVI infrastructure while still maintaining their competitive advantage. This session will focus on the alliances and other collaborative efforts facilitating these next generation systems.

The 2014 CES will feature more than 3,200 exhibitors unveiling their latest innovations across the entire spectrum of consumer technology. For more information on the 2014 International CES, visit CESweb.org.