The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), announced a record number of auto makers will exhibit at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.
So far, 6 of the top 10 auto manufacturers will showcase their latest technologies at the show January 10-13, 2012 in Las Vegas. Audi, Chrysler, Ford, GM/Onstar, Kia, and Mercedes together will cover almost 100,000 net square feet of exhibit space, up by 10 percent over last year.
What to expect in aftermarket innovation at CES? Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CEA said “aftermarket innovations at the 2012 CES will include tablet integration, Internet radio solutions, in-vehicle apps and driver safety technology.”
Ford CEO Alan Mulally will return to CES as a participant on this year’s Innovation Power Panel, a CES keynote on Wednesday, January 11. He’ll join CEOs from GE, Cisco and Xerox.
“CES is now the place to experience innovation in the auto industry…including both vehicle OEMs and the aftermarket,” said Shapiro.
As announced earlier, Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, will deliver a keynote address at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 10.
Other auto-related sessions at CES will include Connect2Car: Connecting Automotive and Consumer Electronics Lifestyles SuperSession focused on integration of new systems and apps into the car, and the In-Vehicle Technology Conference Track, featuring conference sessions focused on smart technologies that minimize driver error, enhance the driving experience and boost road safety:
- Cars Online: Integrating smartphone and wireless-assist platforms into automobile electronics is transforming the connected car. Drivers and passengers have vastly more entertainment and communications options – from hands-free texting to Pandora and more. Panelists will review innovations and options in car technology and their impact on driver safety.
- Smart Cars Talking to Each Other – New Applications Using Vehicle-to-X Technology: Cars soon will be able to talk to neighboring vehicles, traffic lights, even to pedestrians using short-range Vehicle-to-X (V2X) technology, aka “Wi-Fi on wheels.” V2X may open new safety and consumer applications for both mobile devices and cars. Find out what opportunities are ahead for peer-to-peer apps in automotive.
For more news on the 2012 International CES before, during and after the show, including information on CES exhibitors, conference sessions and TechZones, visit www.CESweb.org.
Source: CEA
Barry…you are spot on as always….We are now INVITING the fox into the henhouse and providing him comfort….Just another $$$$$ grab by our friends at CES/CEA…fill up that space at all costs….even if it means sharing a wing or a leg !
OK. I’ll say what every retailer is thinking. We are an AFTERMARKET industry. The OEM’s are increasingly reducing our market potential. I for one wish that the North Hall was packed with aftermarket opportunities rather than “live and in person” examples of why our industry is shrinking. That said, it is good to see what the OEM’s are doing and thinking. And to seek opportunities for additional revenues through exploiting their weaknesses.