Continental Prepares for Series Production of GENIVI Multimedia Head Unit

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Electronics Show -- In October 2014, the international automotive supplier Continental will begin series production of an Internet-capable multimedia head unit for the entire product range of a European automotive manufacturer. By 2018, Continental expects to reach a high volume of series production.

The multimedia head unit is based on the Linux open source operating system and complies with the GENIVI standard. "We are a core member of the GENIVI Alliance and are therefore particularly proud to be launching series production of this GENIVI product with the multimedia head unit. In this way, we are driving forward standardization in automotive infotainment," comments Kieran O'Sullivan, Head of the Business Unit Infotainment and Connectivity at Continental.

Various versions of the head unit will be produced, with basic versions for compact vehicles and further functions added for mid-range and luxury vehicles. This means that the entire product portfolio, and all brands, of the automotive manufacturer will be covered. In addition to radio, audio management, 3D navigation and connectivity, the basic functions of the multimedia head unit will also include an Internet browser and access to Internet services such as weather forecasts and traffic information.  As with a smart phone, drivers can download new services and updates from a specific package, enjoying the very latest infotainment features throughout the entire lifecycle of their vehicles. A software development kit will enable third-party providers to develop applications for the head unit and, following in-depth quality and safety checks, add them to the products on offer.

"By intentionally opening the system up to third-party providers, we can tap into a wealth of ideas and resources – and the more applications are developed for the head unit, the more attractive the technology will become for motorists. By doing this, we are also closing the gap between the rapid development cycles of consumer electronics and vehicle infotainment," explains O`Sullivan.

Drivers can operate the multimedia head unit via touch-sensitive interfaces, handwriting recognition and voice control. Continental has already introduced these elements successfully in its AutoLinQ concept. According to the AutoLinQ philosophy of making it possible to operate infotainment functions with as few clicks as possible, combining different elements in the man–machine interface of the head unit creates a balance between more infotainment and safe, simple and intuitive operations. In the basic variants, a touch screen acts as the central input and output device, while the luxury and mid-range versions also have an output-only screen fitted above this. Using interfaces to the vehicle data busses, the head unit also controls in-car functions such as the air conditioning and sliding roof. Drivers and passengers can also connect external devices to the head unit via Bluetooth, USB or WLAN to make use of the car's Internet connection or simply to play music stored on their devices via the car's audio system.

Continental will showcase a version of this technology during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-13, 2012.  Continental will host a private hospitality salon during the event, and executives will be on hand for on-site interviews to share additional information about these and other Continental technologies.

With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2010, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently has approximately 164,000 employees in 45 countries.

SOURCE Continental