CAA AG to Present 'Car of the Future' Prototype
16 October 2000
CAA AG to Present 'Car of the Future' Prototype
CAA AG to Showcase Latest Driver Information
And Communication Technologies at Convergence 2000
DETROIT, Oct. 16 Convergence 2000 -- CAA AG will be
presenting a prototype of the "Car of the Future" featuring a highly
integrated driver information and communication system. Based on CAA's
software platform, the "Car of the Future" enables separate devices inside the
car such as navigation, telematics, radio, climate control, seat adjustment
and more to be effectively integrated and provide the entire range of
modern-day communication functions. At Convergence 2000 in Detroit, CAA AG,
is presenting two cars exemplifying this revolutionary technology: An Audi TT
and a BMW Z3.
"When all online options have been incorporated, it's particularly
important to design the human-machine interface with ultra-meticulous
case," said Hans-Peter Schmidt of CAA AG. "This is essential if drivers are
to concentrate on their main task -- driving." CAA AG has demonstrated its
comprehensive expertise in interface design for centralized driver information
systems in numerous projects with front-ranking automakers both in Germany and
abroad.
"Intel's In-Car Computing Organization is pleased to profile CAA AG's
futuristic prototype in our Customer Showcase," said Patrick Kerrigan,
marketing manager at Intel's In-Car Computing Operation. "Combining Intel's
In-Car Computing technologies with CAA AG's leadership in the development of
innovative vehicle information and communication concepts should provide
attendees with a strong look into the future of automobiles."
The "Car of the Future" -- an Audi TT -- will be profiled as part of
Intel Corporation's Customer Showcase on Intel's stand in the Detroit Hall,
stand number 299, at this year's Convergence 2000. And at the stand
number 997, CAA is presenting the other "Car of the Future" -- an BMW Z3.
These two vehicles will be attracting particular attention at the
Convergence 2000 in Detroit. CAA AG has integrated its CarPC system into
these two cars. The two driver information systems concerned exemplify what
auto-mobile information and communication are going to look like in the
vehicles of tomorrow's world.
Both the BMW Z3 and the Audi TT are standard vehicles, which differ from
other models only when you take a glance at the central console. It is here
that the CarPC is installed, and where there used to be a variety of different
buttons, knobs and indicators, now there is only a single control unit and one
display: these are used to operate the vehicle's own built-in functions and
to utilize the online services provided.
In both the showcars, the CarPC has been individually matched to the
interior design involved. The system's styling reflects the cockpit's own
design elements: in the BMW Z3, the chrome look of the instrument panel is
utilized in the screen's menu structure and in the styling of the input
elements. Though the actual functionality is similar, the CarPC in the
Audi TT is distinctively different from the other concepts which CAA AG has
created. Here, it has been entirely tailored to the vehicle's sports-car
interior. On the foundation of its own software platform, CAA is thus setting
new standards in the development and design of integrated driver information
systems.
About CAA AG
The specialists at CAA AG integrate innovative vehicle information and
communication concepts into automobiles. At present CAA AG, which is
domiciled in Filderstadt near Stuttgart, employs some 100 personnel. With the
software package CarPC the company has succeeded in creating a powerful
platform for the development process for complete driver information and
communication systems. CAA AG is a leader in the development of CarPC
solutions. In order to expand its foreign activities the company recently
established a branch office in Detroit, USA; a branch office in Japan is being
planned. The subsidiaries are a first step towards an international network
of branch offices.
CONTACT:
CAA AG
Frank Weberheinz
Raiffeisenstrasse 34, 70794 Filderstadt, Germany
Telephone: (+49) 7 119 07 70 - 314
Telefax: (+49) 7 119 07 70 - 199
E-mail: f.weberheinz@caa.de
Internet: http://www.caa.de
Photos: http://www.caa.de/presse