“3D display technology not only brings a new wow-factor into the vehicle cockpit but with the right content, it also creates a more intuitive interaction between driver and vehicle and thus enhances driving safety”, said Ulrich Lueders, head of strategy and portfolio at Continental’s business unit Human Machine Interface. “As we see this especially for 3D navigation, I am very happy that we can contribute to a better UX and safer driving environment by bringing together HERE premium map content and Leia’s Lightfield software with our expertise in automotive human-machine interface solutions.”

3D Navigation

Various studies on traffic safety show that driver distraction is among the main reasons for traffic crashes worldwide. In the US, distracted driving caused more than 2,800 fatalities in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. It is critical to work toward intuitive UX solutions that provide drivers with the content and functions they are looking for and therefore support greater driving safety while minimising distraction in the vehicle cockpit.

“Especially in complex driving scenarios such as city traffic, it can be a real challenge for many drivers to follow navigation instructions and at the same time manoeuvre safely”, says Ulrich Lüders.

Thanks to the correct spatial reproduction of the real world offered by the 3D solution from Continental, HERE and Leia Inc drivers can grasp the necessary information quicker, better orientate themselves and stay more attentive to the driving task.

The content enabling this solution comes from HERE Premier 3D cities, consisting of HERE premium map content and highly detailed 3D representations of 75 global city centres that are fully interactive and customisable. Each building is indexed and accurate in terms of physical location, volume, elevation and façade colour. 3D terrain models also provide elevations for representative depictions of a city’s layout. Detailed 3D landmarks are included within the coverage of each city and are integrated into the 3D terrain, as well as the various styles of the surrounding buildings.

Based on Continental’s Natural 3D Display, Leia’s Lightfield technology and HERE’s 3D map content, the companies have created a joint demonstrator and plan to work with vehicle manufacturers to bring this solution into the next generation of vehicles.

Awards

Continental is bestowed with three CES 2021 Innovation Honoree Awards. Its state-of-the-art Transparent Trailer technology and its Advanced Radar Sensor (ARS) 540 were awarded in the Vehicle Intelligence and Transportation product category, while its Ac2ated sound partnership was recognised in the In-Vehicle Entertainment and Safety category.

Selections are awarded by a panel of independent expert judges, including industrial designers, engineers, and trade media members – to honour outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 28 categories.

“It’s always special to be recognised among the revolutionary products in the CES Innovation Awards,” says Samir Salman, CEO, Automotive Technologies, Continental North America. “The selections not only speak to the value of our technologies, but also to the dedication of our team members globally who are constantly pushing to create new, noteworthy solutions for our customers. Recognitions like this inspire us to push further to see what additional mobility and safety solutions we can develop for the future.”

The Transparent Trailer technology extends the company’s trailering portfolio to allow drivers to “see through” a trailer in the haul and check the area behind and beside it. Based on its Surround View system, the technology enables safer driving while towing. Two cameras and a control unit work together to provide a panoramic view that renders the trailer virtually invisible. The result is a seamless live feed for drivers to see the road and any obstacles behind the trailer.

Continental’s ARS 540 is the first production-ready 4D image radar. It supports automated driving systems all the way from partial to full automation. While previous systems were only capable of capturing information on range, speed and azimuth angle, the ARS 540’s long-range radar sensor calculates an object’s location in addition to the range, speed and azimuth angle also with its elevation to create a precise map of the driving environment up to 300 meters. In particular, the radar sensor’s elevation measuring capability allows the most varied of objects, even relatively small objects, to be detected even more precisely. Moreover, the extended capability allows the ARS 540 to provide high-resolution detail for object identification to manage complex driving scenarios, even in adverse lighting and weather conditions, and at higher speeds.

The final selection is a partnership that pairs Continental and Sennheiser technology to create an immersive sound experience that eliminates reality and reproduction boundaries. The joint solution offers a scalable and adaptive sound system that supports mobility evolution towards an ever more user experience-oriented future. Continental’s Ac2ated Sound removes conventional loudspeakers from the vehicle and replaces them with small and lightweight actuators that excite surfaces. The newly added headrest audio feature provides a unique experience of individualised listening zones with an entirely invisible integration. Sennheiser’s AMBEO Mobility leverages the audio specialist’s patented AMBEO 3D audio technology to deliver an immersive and natural in-car sound experience. It is designed, calibrated and finetuned to ensure an incredibly vivid soundscape and crystal-clear communication. Combining the two technologies creates an invisible, immersive, real-life experience for all listeners in the vehicle. (MT)

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Ashok Leyland has announced plans to invest over INR 50 billion in the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries. The move is part of the company's strategy to become a key player in India's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and support the government's vision for a sustainable, green economy.

The investment, to be rolled out over the next seven to 10 years, will enable the company to produce batteries for its own electric vehicle portfolio, as well as for the broader automotive and energy storage sectors.

To facilitate this, Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term, exclusive partnership with CALB Group, a leading Chinese battery technology firm. The agreement was signed by Ashok Leyland’s Managing Director & CEO, Shenu Agarwal, and CALB’s CEO, Jacky Liu.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India in full alignment with Government’s vision. Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localised battery supply chain in India to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles in India and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”

Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “In the initial phase, the new battery business shall focus on automotive sector, and then move to non-automotive areas as well, including energy storage systems. A Global Centre of Excellence will be created to serve as a hub for research and development, fostering innovation in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.”

This partnership is the latest in a series of investments by the Hinduja Group in electrification, which also includes electric vehicles, mobility-as-a-service, charging equipment, and vehicle financing.

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Affordable Robotic and Automation (ARAPL) has appointed Meru Cabs Founder Neeraj Gupta as its Strategy and Growth Advisory Director.

Gupta brings over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and leadership experience. He built Meru Cabs into a mobility brand with a customer base of over 15 million users and a fleet of over 20,000 vehicles. Meru operated at major airports and offered both inter- and intra-city services. He sold his stake in Meru in June 2021 to the Mahindra Group. Before Meru, in 2000, he founded V-Link Tours & Travels, which grew to be one of the largest enterprise mobility companies in India.

Milind Padole, MD, ARAPL, said, "We are delighted to welcome Neeraj on board. I found in Neeraj the same madness and passion to build a robotic company as mine – one that can be scaled on the world map. His proven expertise in building scalable business models and navigating disruptive industries will strengthen our strategic vision. We are undergoing a transformative stage that requires the right partners to take the ARAPL journey to the next level. Having an advisor with such rich experience as Neeraj will further enrich the company’s growth plans ahead."

Gupta's understanding of scaling businesses, customer-centric innovation and partnerships will provide direction as ARAPL accelerates its growth.

"I am excited to join ARAPL at this crucial juncture in its growth journey. With its strong foundation in robotics, proprietary technologies and international presence, led by Milind and team’s vision, ARAPL is well-positioned to capture emerging opportunities in automation across industries. I look forward to working with the leadership team to unlock new growth avenues and create long-term value."

ARAPL has demonstrated innovation in robotic welding, multi-level car parking, warehouse automation and AI-based robots. With Gupta’s insights, the company aims to expand its footprint in Europe, the Middle East and the US. It also plans to increase its presence in sectors like autonomous logistics and port automation.

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Porsche is set to bring a new level of entertainment to its vehicles through a collaboration with AirConsole, a leading in-car gaming platform. The new Porsche Macan, arriving later this year, will be the first model to feature a curated library of multiplayer games, transforming car rides into a shared entertainment experience.

The integration allows passengers to use their smartphones as controllers to play a variety of games on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. When the car is parked, all passengers, including the driver, can participate. While on the move, gaming is restricted to the front passenger display, ensuring the driver remains focused on the road. The system uses Porsche’s integrated screen privacy features to keep the display safe and distraction-free.

Anthony Cliquot, CEO, AirConsole, said, “Our collaboration with Porsche is a powerful signal of how quickly AirConsole is scaling in the automotive industry. In just two years since launching our in-car platform, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s most respected car brands, now including Porsche. This momentum confirms that gaming has a meaningful place in the future of mobility, and we’re proud to be leading that evolution.”

To access AirConsole, users can simply download the app from the Porsche App Centre. Passengers then connect their smartphones by scanning a QR code on the screen, with no need for additional hardware. The platform supports up to five players, allowing for both collaborative and competitive sessions.

AirConsole specialises in casual, short-session games that are optimised for the in-car environment. The growing catalogue includes popular titles like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Overcooked, and UNO Car Party!, ensuring a wide range of options for passengers.

The AirConsole platform will be available in the new Macan starting at the end of this year, rolling out in all markets where Porsche Connect is offered, with the exception of China.

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Japanese automotive major Honda Motor Co, has announced that it will present a wide range of mobility products and technologies at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, scheduled from 29 October to 9 November at Tokyo Big Sight.

The company said it will display automobiles, motorcycles, power products, aircraft and concept models under its theme of ‘The Power of Dreams.’ Among the highlights will be the Honda 0 Series EV models, due for global market introduction in 2026, as well as the full-size interior mock-up of the HondaJet Elite II, which allows visitors to experience its spacious cabin.

Key exhibits will include the Honda 0 Saloon Prototype and Honda 0 SUV Prototype, both making their Japan debut. Honda will also present production models such as the CUV e:, a Class-2 electric commuter powered by swappable batteries and the Rebel 1100 S Edition cruiser with dual clutch transmission.

Beyond land-based vehicles, Honda will showcase the Honda BF350 outboard motor and the HondaJet Elite II business jet interior. The brand will also participate in programmes organised by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), including the Tokyo Future Tour 2035 and the Mobility Culture Programme.

Honda said: “The Honda booth is designed to enable the visitors to experience dream-inspiring mobility products Honda created with its original technologies and ideas while being driven by its own dreams.”

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