Everyone from app developers to navigation companies to thought leaders are gathering today at the Connected Car Expo (CCE), part of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the first major auto show of the season. The expo precedes the LA Auto Show’s press and trade events at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Nov. 18-19, 2015. 

The CCE, now in its third year, has gathered quite a bit of momentum since its beginnings. “We used to be situated at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but we outgrew it,” Andy Gryc, conference director, CCE. The expo is now being held at the J.W. Marriot L.A. LIVE, the hotel and entertainment complex adjacent to the convention center. The move to the new location has afforded the expo 60,000 square feet of exhibit space and a presentation room with seating for up to 1,500 people.

“Car companies are here because of the auto show so this expo is a natural extension of that,” Gryc said. “We’re showing where the connected car is going and how the industry is evolving.”

Last evening, the CCE hosted a networking reception, but things officially kick off this morning with a welcome address by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti followed by an opening keynote by Lyft co-founder and president John Zimmer.

Not only is the event in a new location, but it’s also drawing a larger number of exhibitors who aren’t involved in manufacturing cars at all—they’re developing the software and services to go in them. The show is offering a diverse mix of more than 40 companies on the show floor.

For instance, OpenCar, an automotive software company, is involved in the development of the world’s first Connected Car ecosystem for automakers. High Mobility is making cars more responsive to a user’s presence. Its software allows cars to communicate with users via wearables. Remoto is a Connected Car platform that helps car owners to manage their cars—start their engine or open/close doors—remotely by Smartphone. HONK is an on-demand mobile app for tow, tire change, jump start, fuel and lock out services from more than 20,000 tow trucks nationwide.

But don’t expect the same old song and dance from the regulars who have booths at the expo. Magellan is showing both its Off-Road Vehicle and SmartGPS Eco connected car navigation. Magellan's Off-Road Vehicle navigation solutions deliver detailed 3D maps, over 44,000 vehicle trails and community generated trails, improved driver safety and a superior user experience. The SmartGPS Eco features the company's cloud platform that brings together automotive quality navigation and routing, content services, iOS and Android smartphone apps, and connected car platforms.

Hyundai is demonstrating its augmented reality owner’s manual app called Virtual Guide. The automaker said it is a “modern take” on the traditional owner’s manual that usually ends up gathering dust in the glove box. This version allows consumers to use their smartphone or tablet to get information on repairs, maintenance and vehicle features. The Hyundai Virtual Guide is compatible with the 2015 Sonata model, and will soon become available for additional models. 

Volvo Cars has something up its sleeve, but is waiting until opening day of the auto show to reveal what it has teased as its concept time machine. The automaker has been working on the concept for the last several years at its Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center in Camarillo, California.

“You won’t be able to go back in time and meet the legends of history, or go into the future and meet your kids,” Anders Tylman-Mikiewicz, General Manager of the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center, said in a press release, “but when our planned concept is applied to a SPA based vehicle, it has the potential of giving significant time back to drivers.”

The conference program is also expected to be a highlight as it addresses hot-button topics like cyber-security, car sharing and autonomous vehicles, and features a diverse group of speakers from Google to Volkswagen.

 “We’ve taken a lesson from successful conferences and modeled our program after that. We’re going with a short format for our presentations,” said Gryc.

Another key component of the show is the Innovation Zone where the Top 10 start-ups are being recognized. “We’re taking a look at who the next Ubers and Googles are,” Gryc said.

Start-ups were chosen based on their potential to shape the future of the new automotive industry and make cars safer, more accessible and more exciting. The CCE Advisory Board chose the companies based on vision, innovation, unique perspective and the likelihood of technology adoption and success.

Each of the Top 10 are being recognized and have their solutions on display at the show. Among the Top 10 Automotive Startups are Capio, which is developing the next-generation speech recognition and natural language processing technologies that are redefining human computer interaction; Driversiti, which is a cloud-based, situational awareness technology company focused on enabling mobile devices to transform from driving distractors to driver assistance systems; and HopSkipDrive, a ride service for kids, founded by three experienced professionals who are also working moms.

Attendance is expected to be high. According to Gryc, the show could draw anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 attendees which is both a good and not-so-good thing. “We may have outgrown this location before we expected, but I can’t say yet. We’ll just have to see how things go.”

For more information on the show, go to connectedcarexpo.com.

August 7, 2019 -- Crux Interfacing Solutions has released a new line of Integration products made for adding Android Auto & Wireless CarPlay in Factory-installed infotainment systems. The current product releases are for Audi and BMW vehicles which are to be followed by Mercedes-Benz in early September. These new solutions are an ideal add-on for vehicles in which factory radios are either difficult to replace or are customarily not being replaced due to varying reasons.

Crux will be exhibiting at Knowledgefest in Dallas, August 9 -11.

Kia Motors America has unveiled the 2017 Forte5 alongside its similarly refreshed sedan sibling at the North American International Auto Show. 

Along with visual enhancements to the front and rear, the new Forte5 also adds a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and newly available convenience and driver-assistance features previously introduced on the all-new Optima. Pricing for the 2017 Forte5 will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date in the first half of 2016.

While the new Forte5 maintains its European-inspired hatchback design, it appears bolder than ever for 2017. Like the sedan, the Forte5’s front clip is highlighted by a wider version of the signature “tiger nose” grille, similar to the one found on the all-new 2016 Optima.  The grille connects redesigned headlights that sweep back around the front fenders, giving the new Forte5 more road presence than the outgoing model.  Around back, revised taillights complete the exterior redesign, and higher trim levels go one step further with standard LED daytime running lights and taillights.

Three trim levels remain - LX, EX, and SX – and each one brings something new to the table for 2017.  The entry-level LX is handsomely equipped with features such as projector beam headlights and remote keyless entry with trunk opener and is now available with Blind Spot Detection³ with Lane Change Assist and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, as these advanced driver-assistance systems are optional across the entire range.  The EX sees the most changes as previous options – including LED taillights, leather seats, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key, and perimeter approach lighting with front-door pocket lighting – are now standard along with UVO eServices⁴. Kia’s UVO infotainment system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay^TM (late availability) compatibility, and is displayed on a 7-inch color touchscreen⁴. Both platforms allow drivers to stay connected by replicating key smartphone apps and functionality on the touchscreen, enabling them to send text messages, access music, or look up driving directions while behind the wheel.  The sporty SX trim comes with all that and more, including 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear fascias with red accents, and dual exhaust tip finishers.  Also new for the SX is an Orange Color Pack, which further signifies the SX’s sporty nature with orange leather seat inserts and contrasting stitching on the seats and shifter. 

Underneath the hood, the 2017 Forte5 comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation six-speed automatic transmission.  Maintaining the sport theme in the SX is a zippy 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, which is now available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power ratings and fuel economy figures will be released closer to launch, while 2017 Koup details will be released at a later date.

November 11, /2020 – ZZ-2 has released the IT-INF-Q-W for select Infiniti vehicles. Rich DeSclafani stated “These interfaces provide a complete all in one solution for supported vehicles. They offer wireless connectivity, safety, and convenience. They are exactly what is needed to add the latest technology to these Infiniti vehicles. The interfaces use the factory touchscreen or jog wheel come with a 3 year warranty.”

FEATURES:

• Wireless CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Backup Camera Input (w/Dynamic Moving Lines)
• Front Camera Input (w/ Parking Mode)
• Smartphone Mirroring/Mirror Link
• USB A/V Playback
• Touchscreen Control

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: IT-INF-Q-W WEBPAGE

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO DEMO: IT-INF-Q-W YOUTUBE VIDEO

COMPATIBILITY:

2014 and UP - Q50/Q50L

2016 and UP – Q60

2018 and UP – QX50

WEBSITE: www.zz-2.com

EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 929-220-1212

Toll Free: 877-241-2526

October 12, 2021 – ZZ2 has released the IT-LR line of interfaces for select LAND ROVER/RANGE ROVER/JAGUAR vehicles.

Rich DeSclafani stated, “We are extremely excited to launch our Wireless CarPlay interfaces for Land Rover/Range Rover/Jaguar. These interfaces provide a complete all in one solution for supported vehicles. They offer wireless connectivity, safety, and convenience. They are exactly what is needed to add the latest technology to these vehicles. The interfaces exclusively use the factory touchscreen to control the interface and come with a 3 year warranty. These products are in stock and available to ship.”

FEATURES:

• Wireless CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Backup Camera Input (w/Dynamic Moving Lines)
• Front Camera Input (w/Parking Mode and Forced Front Camera)
• Smartphone Mirroring/Mirror Link
• Touchscreen Control

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: LAND ROVER/RANGE ROVER/JAGUAR PRODUCTS

COMPATIBILITY:

IT2-LR12:

JAGUAR:

• 2012-2016 XF
• 2012-2016 XJ / XJL

LAND ROVER:

• 2012-2016 Discovery 4            
• 2012-2016 Freelander 2         
• 2012-2016 LR2
• 2012-2016 LR4
• 2012-2016 Range Rover Sport                 
• 2012-2016 Range Rover Evoque             
• 2012-2016 Range Rover Vogue           
• 2015-2016 New Discovery Sport             

IT2-LR15:

Jaguar:

• 2017 and Up E-Pace                                  
• 2017 and Up F-Pace
• 2017 and Up XJ / XJL
• 2017 and Up XF
• 2017 and Up XE

Land Rover/Range Rover:

• 2017-2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport                   
• 2017-2018 Range Rover Evoque             
• 2017-2018 Range Rover Sport                 
• 2017-2018 Range Rover Velar                 
• 2017-2018 Range Rover Vogue

IT4-LR-DUO:

Land Rover/Range Rover:

• 2019-2021 Range Rover Velar
• 2019-2021 Range Rover Sport
• 2019-2021 Range Rover Vogue
• 2019-2021 Range Rover Evoque
• 2020-2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport 

WEBSITE: www.zz-2.com

EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 929-220-1212

Toll Free: 877-241-2526