Silvercar and Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Exhibitor Texas Instruments Collaborate on Technology for a Reimagined Car Rental Experience

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Silvercar, an Austin-based technology company, together with Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI), an International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) exhibitor, highlight technological components developed for Silvercar's reimagined car rental experience during CES (January 8 – 11) in Las Vegas.

Silvercar features a single make/model fleet composed of silver 2013 Audi A4s, and a completely mobile-integrated user experience from reservation to receipt. The seamless customer journey is optimized by integrating technology systems in innovative ways, and is made possible by the incorporation of wireless connectivity from TI, fitted by Emmoco.  Emmoco, based in Austin, is a mobile technology integration company that worked with Silvercar to fit two critical pieces from TI in Silvercar's circuit boards:

• Bluetooth^® low energy (Bluetooth Smart) technology: The CC2540 Bluetooth low energy system-on-chip facilitates the wireless connectivity between the vehicles, renters' smartphones and Silvercar's proprietary technology that enables access to the rental suite where the cars are maintained.
• Stellaris^® ARM^® Cortex™-M microcontroller: This microcontroller simplifies the connection from the travelers' mobile devices to the CAN bus in the vehicles.

Sid Shaw, worldwide business development and marketing manager, Wireless Connectivity Solutions, TI, said, "We develop technology with specific capabilities, but it's always exciting to see what innovative applications companies realize and implement. Silvercar's mission of modernizing the car rental industry using Bluetooth low energy technology within its service model is very compelling, and we're thrilled TI can be involved to make it a success."

"TI's technology has enabled us to make the vision of a better car rental experience a reality," said Allen Darnell, vice president of technology for Silvercar. "TI has an excellent reputation of meeting technological goals, and their products best meet our needs to provide a seamless car rental experience that will live up to our customers' mobile standards."

In addition to the wireless connectivity made possible by TI's Bluetooth low energy solution, travelers will be able to access the Internet with in-car Wi-Fi technology provided by T-Mobile, also a 2013 CES exhibitor. Wi-Fi, Google Earth GPS navigation, Sirius/XM satellite radio and a toll tag are included in the rental experience at no additional charge (actual toll fees will be applied to a customer's bill).

"The car rental industry is long overdue for innovation," said Silvercar CEO Luke Schneider. "We're energized by the opportunity to make a measureable impact on the industry by introducing a unique and refreshing experience."

Announced in December, Silvercar will launch its fleet of 200 Audi A4s on January 14, 2013, at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). CES attendees will be able to visit the TI Village in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (exhibit N119) to learn more about Silvercar. The Silvercar apps are available for download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android. Beginning January 14, 2013, walk-up customers at DFW will be able to reserve a Silvercar by completing their user profile at a self-service kiosk or with available on-site concierges.

To learn more about Silvercar or book today, visit silvercar.com.

About Silvercar
With a mission to reimagine the airport car rental experience, Silvercar is launching its first operation at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in January 2013. Silvercar will offer a single make-model combination, the 2013 Audi A4 (in silver, of course), using Web, wireless and mobile technologies to eliminate the friction points in the car rental process. An ever-increasing set of custom settings in a traveler's Silvercar profile allows a personalized experience to follow renters from car to car. A privately held company, Austin-based Silvercar is initially funded by $11.2 million in venture capital investment led by Austin Ventures and including CrunchFund, SV Angel Fund, and tech industry success spotters Chris Dixon and Dave Morin. For more information, visit www.silvercar.com.

SOURCE Silvercar