Mapping out the future of vehicle connectivity

Starting immediately, the companies will begin with the development of highly precise map technology for Continental’s Electronic Horizon platform. This will enable a vehicle to continuously determine its position on the road to within accuracies of 10-20cm, or 3-8", and will include a variety of road information, including lane markings and connectivity, speed limit changes, no passing signs and more. Equipped with this level of information, all types of vehicles will be able to automatically and comfortably react to differing circumstances, such as a change in the speed limit. Leading to improved comfort, efficiency and safety, this technology will enable enhanced anticipatory driving. Using HERE data and cloud services, Continental aims to provide a complete end-to-end connected Electronic Horizon solution to vehicle manufacturers worldwide. It will also be the basis for Highly Automated Driving functionality that Continental targets to have in vehicles rolling off assembly lines by 2020.

As well as fitting the development roadmap of both Continental and HERE in terms of Automated Driving, the collaboration paves the way for the advent of ITS. Both companies believe that there will be many phases in the evolution towards connected ITS, and that Automated Driving is just one. With almost 20 years experience in jointly building navigation systems for the vehicle environment, Continental’s expertise in automotive electronics system integration (including hardware, software, services and cloud solutions for ITS) combines with HERE's competencies in automotive-grade digital mapping and location intelligence. This allows both companies to jointly work on the future of car connectivity.

Ralf Lenninger, Head of Interior Electronics Solutions, Continental, commented: “With precise map data from HERE and the connected Electronic Horizon, we will achieve advancements across all areas of today’s vehicle-based individual mobility. With the connected Electronic Horizon, vehicle manufacturers will be able to reduce their vehicles’ CO₂-footprint by at least two grams per kilometer. In addition, exact map data will make the driving experience more enjoyable and safe by providing useful information about road congestion so that drivers can predetermine alternate routes, as well as a way to adapt future LED headlight functions to the road ahead.”

“Providing an accurate, precise and timely representation of the roads and the vehicle environment is essential not only for Automated Driving but for all areas of advanced driving solutions. With our superior HERE LiDAR technology, rich data analytics and ability to integrate 'dynamic' events, HERE is uniquely positioned to provide the highly accurate and always-fresh 3D maps required to enable such an experience,” comments Ogi Redzic, Vice President, Connected Driving, HERE.