JLR, Intel to collaborate on next-gen vehicle technologies

Technology giant Intel has collaborated with auto major Jaguar Land Rover to enhance the latter's research and product development on future vehicle infotainment technologies.

Under the partnership, JLR will set up a new Technology R&D centre (Open Software Technology Centre) in 2014 in Portland and US, Intel said in a statement.

JLR's research facility will help lead the development of future vehicle infotainment systems and will be responsible for collaborative work with a number of technology partners, it added.

It will employ a team of around 30 infotainment specialists, including 16 highly experienced software engineers.

In future, the centre will also complement the long-term research projects that will be undertaken by the JLR R&D team at the National Automotive Innovation Campus (NAIC) at the University of Warwick when it opens in 2016.

These research projects include electrification, smart & connected cars and Human Machine Interface.

The location of the centre has been chosen for its proximity to the technology industry hubs in Silicon Valley and Seattle, where JLR has been developing collaborative partnerships with leading IT businesses.

JLR and Intel have already begun work on multiple levels across engineering, research and marketing.

"Multiple programmes are underway to explore and develop next-generation digital vehicle prototypes with in-vehicle cockpit experiences that connect car, device and cloud," the statement said.

The insights gained from the research programmes, along with alignment on engineering efforts, will speed development on new innovative in-vehicle experiences.

"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," JLR Engineering Director Dr Wolfgang Ziebart said.

The Portland facility is JLR's first dedicated software R&D operation and will lead the optimisation for automotive applications of a range of new technologies.