Jaguar Land Rover partners with Intel to develop in-car infotainment systems

aguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a formal partnership with PC and smartphone chip maker, Intel. This partnership will focus on developing in-car infotainment systems. JLR is the latest addition to the ever expanding list of car manufacturers looking to develop in-car systems. The car maker has opened a new Technology Research & Development centre in Portland, Oregon putting it in close proximity with Silicon Valley and Seattle, where it is partnering with other technology majors. Additionally, the proximity with Intel Labs will make collaboration easier.

Several development programs are under way, for what JLR calls “in-vehicle cockpit experience that connects car, device and cloud”.

This isn’t the first time Jaguar Land Rover has shown an interest in developing in-car systems. At the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, JLR showed off the C-X17 concept with the InControl telematics system developed in partnership with Bosch which utilized interconnected touchscreens running the length of the car, layered with acrylic glass and a heads-up windscreen display for the driver. Ford has partnered with Microsoft for the Sync in-car connectivity system, the update for which will be arriving in the models next year. Mercedes-Benz recently set up a centre in Silicon Valley, allowing it to develop the same systems. Also, the company is ready with Google Glass integration for its' in-car systems, and is waiting for Google to officially announce its retail plans. 

Dr Wolfgang Ziebart, Jaguar Land Rover Engineering Director, said: "Our aim is to innovate and develop the ultimate user experience for our customers and by taking a collaborative approach with both technology start-ups and large organisations such as Intel, we will push the boundaries of future infotainment technology. Working with Intel will help both partners define and develop platforms and systems appropriate for premium global brands like Jaguar and Land Rover. This will ultimately develop unique and innovative technologies that will continue to drive the appeal of our products. Our research and the partnerships we are developing in the US will help us ensure our new products remain innovative and globally competitive."

An artist's impression of the JLR Tech Centre in Portland

Elliot Garbus, vice president and general manager, Automotive Solutions Division, Intel Corporation, said: "Consumers expect their in-vehicle experiences to be an integrated part of their digitally connected lifestyle; this requires enhanced levels of connectivity and intelligence in the car.  As part of our work with Jaguar Land Rover, we are exploring innovative ways to inform, entertain and assist drivers and passengers in a safe way; speeding development of unique experiences from the car to the cloud.  Our goal is to accelerate opportunities for new types of in-vehicle services and applications in the Internet of Things.".

Jaguar Land Rover has two engineering test facilities in the US:  a hot weather test facility in Phoenix, Arizona and cold weather test facility in International Falls, Minnesota.