DENSO Develops World's First Integrated, In-vehicle Wireless Cell Phone Charger

SOUTHFIELD, MI--Dec. 20, 2012: Global automotive supplier DENSO has developed the world's first integrated, in-vehicle wireless cell phone charger, in collaboration with Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions (PLDS). DENSO's Qi-compatible wireless cell phone charger will make its world debut in North America on the 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited as part of the available technology package. The wireless cell phone charger is manufactured at the company's DENSO Wireless Systems America facility, located in Vista Calif.

"Considering the increasing usage of smartphones in vehicle connectivity, we wanted to bring a convenient charging solution to consumers that eliminates cords and connections," said Bill Foy, Vice President, Toyota Sales Group, DENSO International America, Inc. "Also, by utilizing our global network and collaborating with our partner PLDS, we were able to achieve a consumer electronics speed to market -- which is always a challenge in the automotive industry."

DENSO was able to meet the rigorous demands of an automotive component in one-third the normal development time without compromising deliverables. With regards to automotive technology, typically it takes three to four years from time-of-conception to implementation; however, DENSO was able to achieve this in eight months.

Qi Standard
The charger is designed to meet the global Qi standard, which was established to ensure compatibility between Qi-compatible phones and other electronics and chargers. Many future smartphones that will launch in 2013 and beyond will integrate a Qi-compatible chip to allow wireless charging without an added sleeve, which is currently necessary for phones that are not Qi compatible.

DENSO is committed to further the integration of consumer electronic technologies for all of our customers to provide safe and convenient driving experiences for drivers.