Continental LTE telematics module for high-speed data access

AUBURN HILLS, USA: Today, many new functions available in the vehicle cockpit depend on fast and reliable mobile access to external data. Future connected vehicles will be a part of the internet of everything and will communicate with other cars and with the cloud. Being "Always on" is therefore rapidly becoming a core requirement for new vehicles.

International automotive supplier Continental is paving the way for this trend with its new high-speed Telematics module. This new generation Telematics solution offers up to 100 Mbps bandwidth where the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile network standard is available. By integrating configurable frequency variants, interchangeable options for air interface solutions, GPS/GLONASS, and WLAN into one scalable and highly compact hardware module, Continental's LTE module can be used worldwide.

"With our new LTE-capable Telematics module, drivers around the globe can expand their capabilities with cloud services, lifestyle apps, and many more innovative features to make driving more comfortable, more efficient, and safer," said Johann Hiebl, head of Continental's Business Unit Infotainment & Connectivity.

Applicable telematics functions include connecting a smartphone to the vehicle, on- and off-board navigation, safety and security services such as advanced automatic collision notification or remote diagnostics, premium assistance on the road, Wi-Fi hot spot for rear seat entertainment and business productivity, plus apps. "Our new high-speed Telematics module connects drivers to what matters," Hiebl summarized.

Continental has been serving the Automotive Telematics market since 1996 and has shipped over 25 million Telematics and connectivity products to date. The supplier's Telematics reach includes the US, Europe, Brazil, China, Russia, and other countries.

"We have launched Telematics with more mobile network providers than any other Tier 1 supplier. This global experience provided the basis for our new high-speed LTE Telematics module," Hiebl said. It is scheduled to be available for vehicle mass production in early 2016.